Staff Reporter | EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 8
EXCEPT for the Naga People’s Front (NPF), other major political parties in the State have so far remained tight-lipped about fielding their candidates in the forthcoming bye-election to 51 Noksen A/C.
The bye-election has been announced following the resignation of NPF candidate CM Chang who is also a Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland. Election Commission of India has set September 4, 2013, for the bye-election.
Nagaland units of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) had State level meeting of party officials in Kohima and Dimapur respectively today. The outcome of the meetings, however, remains shrouded in obscurity as they maintained that their respective parties have deliberated on re-organisation in the State.
While the NCP is supporting the government from outside the BJP and JD(U) are alliance partners of the NPF-led DAN government.
In a telephonic conversation, Leader of the State Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Tokheho Yepthomi said that the party had not discussed the forthcoming bye-election. He said the members have dwelled mainly on reorganisation of the party in the State.
However, NPCC President SI Jamir, who could not attend today’s meeting owing to ill health, said his party would field candidate for the ensuing bye election. He has ruled out fielding former party candidate H Chuba because he is hopeful of Congress victory by introducing a new face.
In a similar vein, State unit of the (NCP) has evinced interest to field its party candidate but appears undecided so far.
Leader of NCP legislators, Dr. TM Lotha said that his party has not decided on fielding a candidate. He was, however, not averse to taking the plunge on condition of finding a prospective candidate.
State Unit NCP president Neiba Ndang too said today’s meeting was mainly focussed on revamping of the party reorganisation. He said the decision to field candidate would solely lay with the State Election Committee
CM Chang was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 with a landslide victory defeating former Congress MP K. Asungba Sangtam. In February 23 State Assembly Elections he was also elected on NPF ticket and allotted the cabinet portfolio for Education. He secured 5602 votes defeating INC candidate H Chuba who secured 4510 votes and NCP candidate Limaonen who secured 1259 votes.
However, within 15 days of the results being declared in early March 2013, CM Chang resigned as MLA. Nevertheless, he continues in his capacity as Minister for Education.
In a recent news report, NPF party president, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu had disclosed the party’s support for CM Chang who has reportedly conveyed his desire to be closer to voters in his constituency.
Meanwhile, a modified model code of conduct has come into force for Tuensang district.
All instructions of the ECI issued regulating the implementation of the schemes of MNREGA, extending relief and starting works in case of natural calamities, drought, flood, drinking water, digging of bore-wells, fodder, agriculture inputs and input subsidies to farmers, new developmental works (whether beneficiary or work oriented), including work under MPLAD, MLA and LADF, announcement and commencement of new projects, programme, concessions, financial grants, defacement of property, use of government property for campaign purpose, etc shall be applicable only in respect of the areas falling in the Assembly constituency and not in the entire district.
