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History was scripted in Nagaland on Thursday when the state elected its first women legislators in its 60 years of statehood.
The two women lawmakers -- Hekhani Jakhalu and Salhoutuonuo Kruse of the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) -- are greenhorns in politics but defeated the sitting MLAs in Western Angami and Dimapur-III seats respectively.
By virtue of the result of her constituency being declared earlier in the day, Jakhalu became the first woman MLA in the Nagaland Assembly.
She defeated her nearest rival and sitting MLA Azheto Zhimomi of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) by 1,536 votes.
“This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to my people who trusted me with their hopes and aspirations. I dedicate this victory to God and pledge to serve my constituents with honesty and integrity,” Jakhalu tweeted.
Speaking to media persons at her residence after the win, Jakhalu said she “was at ease” and although she didn’t win by a ‘good margin’, she was expecting to win according to the party’s assessment.
Jakhalu said she had campaigned for the youths and women particularly, and “after winning and power in-hand, we will be executing it.”
On her vision for women particularly in the state, Jakhalu said the win is not for her alone but for all the women in the state.
She said it is a new chapter for women and her win will be an inspiration for many young girls and women, and things will get better not only for women in particular but also for the state.
When asked if Nagaland will be ready to accept women reservation in ULB election, Jakhalu said reservation is needed and was also looking forward to coordinate with Salhoutuonuo Kruse and voice out the issue.
On her future plans, Jakhalu said that her first priority will be to take care of her constituency, starting from school assessment, health care and households so that no one is left behind.
Meanwhile, Kruse won 8 Western Angami AC by a tight margin of seven votes against incumbent Independent MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro. She is the wife of late Kevisekho Kruse, who contested the 2018 general election and lost to Nakhro.
Kruse said she won by the “grace of God’’, and would “pray” with the party workers for the successful campaign.
She secured 7078 votes while Nakhro got 7071 votes.
Kruse, who worked in an NGO for 24 years, had earlier told this newspaper that one of the biggest reasons for joining politics was to fulfill the aspirations of her late husband. ‘My husband entered into politics with a heart to uplift the people but passed on without completing it’, she said.
Her major focus included youth and women empowerment, skill development and employment, improving the quality of life of the people by enhancing good governance and security, creating a model constituency and equal infrastructural development and representation of urban and rural areas.
Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also congratulated the two women on the historic achievement.
‘History has been made! Heartfelt congratulations to Mrs Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu on winning Assembly Elections. You carry the hopes of women and future generations as change makers and role models. I hope you will continue to be passionate and courageous,” he tweeted.
History has been made!
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) March 2, 2023
Heartfelt congratulations, Mrs. @k_salhoutuonuo and Mrs. @Hekani Jakhalu on winning Assembly Elections. You carry the hopes of women and future generations as changemakers and role models. I hope you will continue to be passionate and courageous. pic.twitter.com/goMlR3fEXD
Among the 184 candidates, three political parties – NDPP, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Indian National Congress fielded four women candidates -- Salhoutunuo Kruse NDPP), Rosy Thompson (INC), Kahuli Chishi (BJP), and Hekani Jakhalu(NDPP) in the state assembly election.
Nagaland Nagaland Nagaland Nagaland