Former Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, T. Yangseo Sangtam after filing his nomination today at Kiphire said that party and ticket do not matter, what matters are the voters and their votes.

Sangtam is contesting from Republican Party of India (RPI) in 60 Pungro Kiphire Assembly Constituency.

The former Speaker will be contesting the polls against ruling NDPP candidate S. Kiusumew Yimchunger and Indian National Congress candidate T. Atsuba Yimkhiung.

Mention maybe made that the NDPP ticket was awarded to Khalenmew Yimchunger on 2 February however the ticket was reversed to Kiusumew Yimchunger, former independent candidate in 2020 by-election who had also recently got LJP (RV) ticket.

Sangtam speaking to Nagaland Tribune exuded confidence that he will retain his seat.

“Ticket is not a matter, it’s not the ticket who will be voting but public will vote, my supporters are intact and they are going to vote for me and with that confidence I am contesting the elections,” added Sangtam.

When asked about his opponent from the ruling NDPP party he said, “As I have mentioned party and ticket is not a matter it’s the people who are going to vote me.”

Sangtam had contested as an independent candidate in the By-election and got elected on November 10, 2020. The by-election was held to fill the casual vacancy due to the demise of Naga People’s Front MLA T Torechu on 16 December 2019.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate T. Atsuba Yimkhiung too filed his nomination today, accompanied by a big number of supporters.

Congress candidate T. Atsuba Yimkhiung reading out the affirmation while filing his nomination on 7 February 2023.