Former Independent Candidate, Imtikumzuk Longkumer (sitting third from right) and his lady wife along with his supporters at his private residence at Ungma village on April 9. The former Independent Candidate, who was aspiring for the NPF ticket to contest in the forthcoming by-election to the 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency, was denied the party ticket. However, he declared his full allegiance to the NPF party and to work for the party in the forthcoming election. (Morung Photo)
Mokokchung, March 9 (MExN): Speculations of disunity, if any, in the 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency’s NPF party unit arising out of the issuance of part ticket to the aspiring candidates has been laid to rest with one of the aspiring candidates, Imtikumzuk Longkumer gracefully accepting the verdict of the NPF party high command over awarding of ticket to Toshipokba Longkumer to contest the by-election.
There were two strong contenders for the NPF Party for contesting the by-elections. After thorough deliberation, the NPF party high command awarded the party ticket to former candidate, Toshipokba Longkumer.
In a formal meeting with his supporters today at his private residence, former independent candidate Imtikumzuk Longkumer gracefully accepted the verdict of the NPF party high command and said that he stands by the party’s principles in working for the welfare of the people.
Though there was an air of disappointment over the denial of party ticket to Imtikumzuk Longkumer, with some of his supporters vocally airing it out, the aspiring candidate requested his supporters to be steadfast in the party’s principles and to concentrate in the coming by-election and work for the success of the NPF party candidate. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to his supporters for being loyal to him and supporting him right from December 27 when he first set out to claim the NPF party ticket. Nonetheless, some of his staunch supporters even asked him to contest in the election no-matter-what assuring their full support. However, Imtikumzuk Longkumer said that he would contest in the next general election in 2013, and assured to lead the people.
Later, while speaking with some media persons after the meeting, Imtikumzuk Longkumer asserted that he is with the NPF party till the end.
On being asked why he was such a loyal supporter, given the fact that other politicians would have easily contested as an independent or from other tickets, Imtikumzuk Longkumer said that he sees a future in the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Home Minister Imkong L Imchen. He said that his main objective of contesting the election is to work for the welfare of the people and that there is no self-interest in contesting the elections.
“I abide by the decision of the NPF party high command and I will not defect to other parties. I will work for the success of the NPF party in the constituency in this by-election,” he declared.
He further predicted that this by-election will be ‘an acid test’ for both the Congress and NPF party which will have great ramifications in the 2013 general election. If the NPF wins this election, then it like crushing the backbone of the Congress party, and if the NPF loses this election, then the future of the NPF party in the Ao area ‘is not very promising’.
“This is a real battle for both the parties,” Longkumer said.
With the former Independent Candidate Imtikumzuk Longkumer declaring his allegiance to the NPF party and to work for Toshipokba Longkumer, the position of the NPF party is somewhat stable, since Imtikumzuk is said to be a politician who has good connections and loyalty from the grassroots voters. He is also said to be the person responsible for garnering 62 percent vote for the NPF candidate CM Chang in the last MP elections.
Moreover, with Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and some of his cabinet colleagues arriving at Ungma for campaigning on Monday, this by-election is expected to be a hot one – maybe an ‘acid test’ for the Congress and NPF party.
There were two strong contenders for the NPF Party for contesting the by-elections. After thorough deliberation, the NPF party high command awarded the party ticket to former candidate, Toshipokba Longkumer.
In a formal meeting with his supporters today at his private residence, former independent candidate Imtikumzuk Longkumer gracefully accepted the verdict of the NPF party high command and said that he stands by the party’s principles in working for the welfare of the people.
Though there was an air of disappointment over the denial of party ticket to Imtikumzuk Longkumer, with some of his supporters vocally airing it out, the aspiring candidate requested his supporters to be steadfast in the party’s principles and to concentrate in the coming by-election and work for the success of the NPF party candidate. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to his supporters for being loyal to him and supporting him right from December 27 when he first set out to claim the NPF party ticket. Nonetheless, some of his staunch supporters even asked him to contest in the election no-matter-what assuring their full support. However, Imtikumzuk Longkumer said that he would contest in the next general election in 2013, and assured to lead the people.
Later, while speaking with some media persons after the meeting, Imtikumzuk Longkumer asserted that he is with the NPF party till the end.
On being asked why he was such a loyal supporter, given the fact that other politicians would have easily contested as an independent or from other tickets, Imtikumzuk Longkumer said that he sees a future in the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Home Minister Imkong L Imchen. He said that his main objective of contesting the election is to work for the welfare of the people and that there is no self-interest in contesting the elections.
“I abide by the decision of the NPF party high command and I will not defect to other parties. I will work for the success of the NPF party in the constituency in this by-election,” he declared.
He further predicted that this by-election will be ‘an acid test’ for both the Congress and NPF party which will have great ramifications in the 2013 general election. If the NPF wins this election, then it like crushing the backbone of the Congress party, and if the NPF loses this election, then the future of the NPF party in the Ao area ‘is not very promising’.
“This is a real battle for both the parties,” Longkumer said.
With the former Independent Candidate Imtikumzuk Longkumer declaring his allegiance to the NPF party and to work for Toshipokba Longkumer, the position of the NPF party is somewhat stable, since Imtikumzuk is said to be a politician who has good connections and loyalty from the grassroots voters. He is also said to be the person responsible for garnering 62 percent vote for the NPF candidate CM Chang in the last MP elections.
Moreover, with Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and some of his cabinet colleagues arriving at Ungma for campaigning on Monday, this by-election is expected to be a hot one – maybe an ‘acid test’ for the Congress and NPF party.
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