10 Northern Angami A/C By-Election on July 29 takes the discussion front seat
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 26
Amid the exhausting political drama engulfing the state, a new set of graffiti is making its presence in the broken walls of Kohima town under the pseudonym ‘Tunas’ which reads: ‘Wanted: New breed of Naga politicians.’
Discussions on state politics have reached a low, with people in shanty chai and ‘chow-momo’ hotels concluding their talks with: ‘It’s so frustrating!’
The approaching By-Election to the 10th Northern Angami –1 A/C scheduled for July 29 between former Chief Minister and veteran politician Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and newcomer Kekhrie Yhome is a collective favorite in the discussions.
What makes this Constituency, with a total of 16,235 electorates distinct, according to Kohima Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Soudararajan, is that a major part of the constituency is in the urban area of the state capital. Several wards under this constituency are a potpourri of different communities.
The constituency has 25 polling stations comprising both urban and rural populations. It further comprises the biggest village in Asia – Kohima Village – and the historic Chedema village.
“Voters comprise of every tribe of Nagaland and other non-Naga communities. Representation to this assembly seat is significant because the elected MLA is not just responsible for the citizens within the constituency but is also required by tradition to look into the welfare of citizens of our capital. It is a constituency which is catering to both rural and urban population, one which covers the seat of governance and diversity of communities,” says Peter Rutsa, a youth leader and resident of the constituency.
Although the urban electorate of 10 NA 1 A/C consists of a working population, many voters here are frustrated by the deplorable roads, poor drainage, and lack of basic needs like water. Besides covering over 30 percent of the municipal population under the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), the constituency hosts at least 70 percent of the government infrastructures in the capital.
“Therefore the funding pattern and allocation for this constituency needs to be enhanced in urgency. It is accommodating and catering to more citizens than managed with what is sanctioned. What is due to the constituency is getting taken away due to the difference in numbers shown in the electoral list and the actual population which lives in this constituency,” adds Rutsa.
A resident at Kezieke ward says: “our basic requirement in the first place is a good leader without which we cannot expect development. I expect the representative of this constituency to bring development to all the people without any discrimination.”
Both candidates have evoked mixed response and support from its cosmopolitan constituency. Among the younger demographic, Yhome stands out. Meanwhile elders are of the view that Yhome is not experienced enough and would rather choose Liezietsu.
“The nostalgia of Dr Shürhozelie is with the elderly. But today it is more than nostalgia. People are just fed up. Nostalgia can be beneficial for the old car but it is racing towards sunset,” expresses a resident of Phezoucha.
“Dr Liezietsu is a seasoned politician and definitely his resilient journey in electoral politics is very admirable,” says another voter, adding that a young candidate with zest and energy also requires wisdom which can only be derived from experience.
While both candidates have contributed their bit to Naga society in their distinct ways, an apprehensive Rutsa says, “Old is not always gold and new is not always good.”
This by-election, as Rutsa points out, is a prelude for what is to come in the 2018 Assembly Elections and an opportunity for Nagas to take a turn from the electoral rot that has infested Naga society.
Most importantly, the election will determine if Nagas can act on the much talked about need for change.
Candidates
Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu
The 80 year old NPF candidate and erstwhile regionalist, Liezietsü’s campaign has mostly focused on development, progress and prosperity for all. One of his supporters mentions that in his five months brief stint as the Chief Minister of Nagaland, one of the best impacts he had was improvement of office attendance and punctuality. “He has cleared more than 500 pending files, cleared 90 pending Cabinet agendas in three months and most importantly he put his foot down in corruption,” the supporter points out. In a campaign rally held in Chedema on July 26, Dr. Liezietsü emphasized on clean election and urged the voters not to sell or buy votes, or engage in proxy voting.
In the affidavit submitted to the ECI, Dr. Liezietsu’s occupation is mentioned as politician/social worker/agriculturist while his spouse is an agriculturist/floriculturist.
Income and Assets
According to his nomination papers, Dr Liezietsu has a gross total value of Rs 72,89,566 (Spouse- Rs 51,87, 255.89/-), and owns immovable assets with a market value of Rs 1,25,00, 000. The major source of his income is put as Chief Minister salary/agri farming, while his spouse’s income source is listed as Floriculture and Agrifarming.
Kekhrie Yhome
The 40 year old Independent candidate is a favorite among the younger demographic. Besides his plans to equally implement the LADP funds and strengthening of welfare boards, his campaign speeches are particularly focused on the need for the public to reassert its power.
His supporters say that the noted academician has turned down funding, with his campaign rallies being mobilized through grassroots support. “If Kekhrie wins, we can expect the grassroots people power to flourish,” states one supporter.
Income and assets
According to his nomination papers, Yhome has immovable assets with a current market value of Rs 6.37 Crore, and total income shown as Rs 7,73,400 (Spouse- Rs 27,27,629/-).
In the affidavit submitted to the ECI, his profession is mentioned as academician/social worker, with his source of income listed as through self-employment. His spouse is listed as a photo editor- South Asia for the Associated Press.
