Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, flanked by BJP state and district leaders during a press conference at Hotel Whispering Winds, Mokokchung, on April 2. (Morung Photo)
Flags disturbance ahead of poll
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 2
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday claimed that its consensus candidate, Daochier Imchen, is set to win the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election “with a high margin of votes.”
“Daochier Imchen is on the winning foot… we are very happy to let you know in advance that he will be winning with a high margin,” Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, said at a press conference at Hotel whispering Winds in Mokokchung.
He added that the party was receiving a “very promising response” from across villages and pointed to a “sympathy wave” in favour of the candidate, who is the son of late Imkong L Imchen.
Along further claimed that “some of the intending candidates are already giving up,” adding that “internal negotiations are going on” and that others “may also come on board in support” of the BJP-backed consensus candidate.
Raising concerns over law and order, the Minister alleged that “some elements have tried to give disturbances in Mangmetong area, belting of stones and all,” on Thursday which he termed “very unconventional.”
“We condemn such kind of methods… we will not be standing to just watch,” he said, urging the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to ensure that “all citizens are at peace” and able to participate in the election.
Calling the election a “democratic festival,” Along cautioned, “Voting is by choice… not threaten people, not threaten supporters of any candidate.”
He also took aim at what he described as a recurring pattern of unrest, stating, “The narrative that Koridang assembly constituency always has a fight… this game should not be there.”
On criticism regarding candidate selection, Along rejected allegations of dynastic politics, asserting, “The choice… is not of dynastic politics. It is a choice made by the parliamentary board,” based on “ability and capability.”
He maintained that the constituency needs “somebody in the government who can work with the government… to uplift and upgrade Koridang,” while appealing for a “clean and fair election” in the days leading up to polling.
