Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 20
Naga People’s Front candidate Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu has won the byelection to Northern Angami-II Assembly constituency under Kohima district by margin of 3045 votes.
Contractor-turned-politician, 37-year-old Neiphrezo, hailing from Chiechama Bawe, polled 9909 votes while 60-year-old BJP candidate Visasolie, a retired bureaucrat and hailing from Dihoma Village, secured 6864 votes. NOTA polled 75 votes while eight postal ballot papers were rejected.
The counting of the votes was conducted today at Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kohima in presence of General Observer for bypoll Liama Chozah, the two candidates and election agents.
The result was announced by District Returning Officer for bypoll and DC Kohima W Honje Konyak.
The bypoll to the constituency was necessitated following the then Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s election to Lok Sabha in May 2014. Rio held the seat for last five consecutive terms since 1989 and elected to Lok Sabha after completing first year of the sixth term.
It was a straight fight between ruling BJP and NPF, both allies in the NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government.
Polling for the byelection was held on October 15 in 39 polling stations across 30 villages of the constituency with 16,856 voters out of 18,834 exercising their franchise.
Thousands of NPF party workers and supporters congratulated their new leader with bouquets at DC office complex after the results were announced.
Happy with margin, says Neiphrezo
Exclusively interacting with this correspondent after declaration of the result at DC’s conference hall, Neiphrezo said he is happy and satisfied with the winning margin. “The margin is as per my assessment. I am happy and even if the margin was merely one also I would have been happy,” he said while attributing the success to the support of the people.
Asked about his plans for the constituency, he said, “Everything will now depend on the portfolio and the responsibility that government would give me.” On his expectation about the portfolio, he said it all depends on the party leaders and the government. He termed the bypoll as one of the most peaceful with the electorate of the constituency maintaining all democratic norms throughout the electioneering process and setting an example for other constituencies.
Lhoungu fetes
On the other hand, BJP candidate Visasolie Lhoungu, who also stayed back in the counting centre till the final declaration was made and winning certificate handed over to his poll rival, told this correspondent “this is politics and I am satisfied with the result”. He also congratulated Neiphrezo for the success and wished that he would work for the people of the constituency.
CM, Rio, BJP congratulate Neiphrezo
Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio have congratulated Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu for winning the Northern Angami-II by-election on NPF ticket. “Victory of Dr. Neiphrezo from Northern Angami-II assembly constituency is a reaffirmation of people’s trust in NPF party and will further consolidate the DAN government,” the Chief Minister said in his congratulatory note.
The Chief Minister said election of Neiphrezo from Northern Angami-II has also added another young and vibrant face to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and hoped that he will serve people with zeal and enthusiasm for the development of the State.
Zeliang expressed gratitude to the people of Northern Angami-II for reposing their trust in the NPF party and for electing Neiphrezo to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He also congratulated all rank and files of NPF Northern Angami-II and NPF central office bearers for their untiring efforts and for bringing victory to the NPF party.
Congratulating Neiphrezo, Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio expressed his happiness that a young, dynamic and well educated person has been elected in his place to take the helm of the Northern Angami-II Assembly constituency. He wished Neiphrezo all success in his endeavour.
Rio also expressed his sincere appreciation to the electorate of the constituency and the general public for the support and confidence extended to his party and its candidate. “I have represented this constituency six times in a row and the love and support which I and my family have received has been overwhelming and priceless,” the former CM said in a release today.
Rio was also happy that though he did not contest the election this time, people have come forward in the most positive manner and sounded their confidence in him and his party in a resounding manner.
He expressed gratitude to all sections of people, including the leaders, NGOs, civil societies, church oraganisations and every citizen of the constituency for their prayer and goodwill and assured to work tirelessly for the people of the State in the greater interest of the country in his new role as Member of Parliament.
Rio further congratulated the Election department and all agencies for conducting successful, free and fair election.
He also appealed to all sections of people irrespective of party background and affiliation to come together under a spirit of unity and togetherness to unitedly work for peace, development and progress.
State BJP: The Nagaland unit of BJP has congratulated Dr Keditsu for winning the bye-election and hoped that he would work sincerely for the uplift of the people of the constituency.
The State BJP expressed its gratitude to the people of 11 Northern Angami II A/C for reposing their faith and voting for its party candidate Visasolie Lhoungu. The party also thanked Chief Electoral Officer, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Superintendent of Police Kohima, government officials involved in the electioneering process, party leaders and workers for their steadfast effort in making this election free and fair.
In a press release, Media Cell of the State BJP said this bye-election has shown that the people of Nagaland can repose its faith in the party and strengthened the party in preparing for the 2018 assembly election.
NPF, 5 Ghaspani II A/C: The NPF, 5 Ghaspani II A/C, along with MLA of the constituency Zhaleo Rio heartily congratulated Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu for winning the bye-election.
“The mandate of the people has once again proved that NPF is committed for the welfare of the Nagas as a whole,” the NPF unit said in a release. It hoped that Dr. Neiphrezo will lead his constituency towards prosperity through wisdom from God and be an example to others around him in the coming days.
