Scrutiny of nominations papers for the forthcoming 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election was completed for 37th Tyui A/C on Wednesday at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Wokha and all four candidates cleared formalities.
The candidates vying for the Assembly Constituency are Yanthungo Patton (BJP), Hayithung Tungoe Lotha (Independent), Y. Kikon (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and Senchumo (NSN) Lotha of Janata Dal (United).
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Upon completion of the scrutiny, hundreds of supporters of the BJP candidate celebrated his official candidature by shouting “Vote for Y. Patton!” The saffron revellers filled up the roads in jubilation and anticipation.
On being asked how many Assembly seats the Bharatiya Janata Party are expecting to win in the 2023 election, the veteran politician and three-time MLA from the constituency replied that the party expects more than what they had secures in the 2018 election.
BJP had won 12 seats out of the 20 it contested in the previous NLA election. The understanding of 20:40 seat sharing ratio with its alliance NDPP is intact general election too. He refused to comment on the seat sharing and party ticket distribution debacle.
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When asked about the Naga political issue, which is the main primary concern in Nagaland, Patton told Nagaland Tribune that the alliance will continue to pursue final solution if voted in power.
On the question on the likeliness of getting re-elected as the deputy Chief minister, he replied that it depends on the central leaders.
Patton confidently stated that he will give a good fight to his opponent candidates, Senchumo (NSN) Lotha in particular, adding that he has ex-MLAs and ex-candidates in his corner.
Former ex-candidates Yankithung Yanthan (NPF), Chobathung Odyuo (JDU) and Dr. Thungchamo Ezung (NCP), who were once rivals of Y. Patton have joined Y. Patton’s camp.
Yankithung Yanthan, the biggest of the opponents who contested against Patton for 3 consecutive years, said that people must unite and elect the BJP leader once again so that he can bring more development to the land of the Lotha.
Chobathung Odyuo, ex-candidate (JDU) stated that under Patton’s leadership, Wokha district as well as Nagaland will shine.
Dr. Thungchamo Ezung (NCP) asserted that he came forward to support Patton so that the latter can lead the Lotha people.
Y. Patton in return expressed his gratitude for the support and hoped to work together for the betterment of the people.