Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 2
The NDPP has likely made a tough decision, as according to the list of candidates it is fielding, the party had to drop 15 of its sitting MLAs in the ticket race. 12 were NPF-turned-NDPP MLAs, namely— Azheto Zhimomi (3 Dimapur III), Keneizhakho Nakhro (8 Western Angami), Chotisuh Sazo (18 Chozuba), Yitachu (20 Meluri), Amenba Yaden (21 Tuli), Er Picto Shohe (32 Atoizu), Dr Chumben Murry (38 Wokha), YM Yollow (42 Wakching), N Thongwang Konyak (46 Mon), Muthingnyuba Sangtam (52 Longkhim-Chare), Toyang Chang (53 Tuensang Sadar I) and Kejong Chang (54 Tuensang Sadar II).
The other three NDPP MLAs, who were ignored, were Zale Neikha (15 Southern Angami II), Namri Nchang (6 Tenning) and L Khumo Khiamniungan (57 Thonoknyu). New face S Heno Khiamniungan was favoured over Khumo, who won in the NPP ticket in 2018 only to shift allegiance to the NDPP.
Neikha had to give way to the BJP’s Er Kropol Vitsu, while Nchang had to give way to a former MLA from 6 Tenning— Tarie Zeliang. Interestingly, Tarie was among the BJP ticket hopefuls, who had recently protested in Dimapur.
The BJP dropped one in the form of sitting MLA Dr Longrineken (29 Jangpetkong), whose candidature for the February 27 polls was beset by competition from other aspirants in his native village.
