Nagaland Assembly elections: Key constituencies, candidates to watch out for

The voting for Nagaland Assembly elections for 59 seats will be held on Monday in single phase, deciding the fate of 183 candidates. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, and the votes will be counted on March 2.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) are looking to retain power in the state after a high-decibel campaign marked by bitter political attacks and promises of development and employment.

The BJP and NDPP have a 20:40 seat-sharing arrangement, while the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Congress have 22 and 23 seats, respectively. The BJP has already established itself in Nagaland ahead of the elections, with Kazheto Kinimi winning the Akuluto seat unopposed after the Congress candidate withdrew his candidature.

Following the withdrawal of Khekashe Sumi’s candidature, the Nagaland Assembly elections will feature a total of 183 candidates. There are 20 candidates from the BJP, CPI (1), INC (23), NCP (12), NPP (12), NDPP (40), NPF (22), RPP (1), JD (U) (7), LJP (Ram Vilas) (15), RPI (Athawale) (9), RJD (3), and Independent (19).

It is worth noting that only four of the 183 candidates running this time are women. Nagaland has had 14 Assembly elections since its inception in 1963, but never a female MLA. A total of 13,17,632 voters will exercise their franchise to decide the fate of political parties and to elect their representatives to the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with 6,61,489 male electors and 6,56,143 female electors.

Among the key constituencies are Northen Angami, where NDPP candidate and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will run; Tiyu, where BJP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton will run; and Peren, where two-time Chief Minister TR Zeliang will run as an NDPP candidate.

It is worth noting that only four of the 183 candidates running this time are women. Nagaland has had 14 Assembly elections since its inception in 1963, but never a female MLA. A total of 13,17,632 voters will exercise their franchise to decide the fate of political parties and to elect their representatives to the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with 6,61,489 male electors and 6,56,143 female electors.

Among the key constituencies are Northen Angami, where NDPP candidate and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will run; Tiyu, where BJP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton will run; and Peren, where two-time Chief Minister TR Zeliang will run as an NDPP candidate.

Temjen Imna Along, the leader of the Nagaland BJP, will run for the Alongtaki seat. He is also the Minister of Higher and Technical Education in the current government. Only the Janata Dal (United) has run a candidate for this seat, J Lanu Longchar.

Ghaspani is another seat that has everyone’s attention. The BJP has nominated N Jacob Zhimomi, while the Congress has nominated Akavi N Zhimomi. Phek is another constituency to keep an eye on during the elections. NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu will run for this seat. The NDPP has fielded Kupota Khesoh, the Congress has fielded Zacilhu Ringa Vadeo, and the NPF has fielded S Akho Leyri.

In Dimapur-III, NDPP candidate Hekani Jakhalu is running, while the newbie Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has given Azheto Zhimomi a ticket. Dimapur-I, Southern Angami l, Southern Angami I, Chozuba, Koridang, Bhandari, Sanis, Zunheboto, Kohima, Western Angami, Longleng, and Seyochung Sitimi are the other major constituencies.

Kuzholuzo Nienu, the NPF’s legislative leader, is another candidate to watch in the elections. He intends to run for office from his hometown of Phek. The BJP’s high-voltage campaign saw various tall leaders address public rallies, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Kiran Rijiju, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and others.

Campaigners for the NDPP, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, were seen holding public rallies in almost every constituency. NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu has stated that he is willing to participate in post-election public rallies with other parties and candidates.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke at an election rally in Dimapur, while Congress MP Shashi Tharoor spoke in Kohima. The Congress has also stated that if necessary, they will form a post-election alliance. The votes will be counted on March 2.