Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 25
An intending BJP contender from 4 Ghaspani I Assembly Constituency, Kasheto Yeptho has withdrawn from the party. The 44-year-old Yeptho, a former president of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cited pressure from supporters to withdraw from the BJP as the reason. Yeptho made the declaration at a press conference in Dimapur on January 25.
“My supporters do not want me to contest as a BJP candidate,” said Yeptho today while adding that he will be joining the NPF. His declaration comes barely a week after he was propped up as one of BJP’s intending candidates for the February 27 Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections.
Yeptho, alongwith 14 other poll contenders, had formally joined the ruling national party on January 22.
According to him, the change of mind came after the January 22 felicitation programme for poll contenders joining the BJP. He said that on the day after he returned home following the programme many of his supporters expressed displeasure over him joining the BJP.
He further cited doubt over the BJP’s commitment to fighting corruption and upholding of secular principles.
“The BJP still want me to stay and contest but it is not only about getting the ticket,” he said while adding that the issue is more about “what the people, my supporters want.”
