Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 14
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) sounded the bugle today announcing its electoral contenders for Nagaland’s lone seat in the Lok Sabha (LS) and the by-election to the vacant 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung district.
Incumbent Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi and newcomer Sharingain Longkumer were given the NDPP tickets to contest in the upcoming Parliamentary and by-elections, respectively, at a programme held in the party’s Central Headquarters, Chumoukedima, Dimapur on March 14. Yepthomi will seek to retain the LS seat for a second term, while Longkumer will contest the prestigious Aonglenden Assembly seat, which fell vacant after the sudden demise of NDPP legislator Imtikumzuk in September 2018.
Formerly a bastion of veteran Congressman Dr. SC Jamir, the Aonglenden seat was also held by the late Nungshizenba, Longkumer’s father. Nungshizenba, who passed away in 2010, was part of the opposition Congress during the DAN II regime.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the programme said that Yepthomi and Longkumer are the People’s Democratic Alliance’s consensus candidates. The programme had in attendance the NDPP’s coalition partners in the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance- BJP, JD(U) and NPP.
While stating that the NDPP appreciates the commitment of the coalition partners, Rio said that its target will be to win by huge margins.
As a first time contestant, Longkumer, in his address said, “Change is what my generation is discussing in every corner and it is for this reason I am standing here today.” He added that the trust bestowed on him by the PDA has emboldened him to perform.
Yepthomi, who replaced Rio as LS member in June 2018, admitted to the challenges of being a Member of Parliament, particularly as a single representative from a small state. Stating that one is made to feel almost insignificant in front of the more populous states, he said that making oneself heard gets all the more difficult when decibels rise and disruptions occur. Nevertheless, he added that he is grateful being given another opportunity to take on the challenge representing the state.
