Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party leader, Yanthungo Patton on Friday made a resounding call for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to aim higher in Nagaland politics by preparing to contest all 60 Assembly seats in the 2028 elections.

Speaking at the State Executive Meeting cum Organizational Workshop at Town Hall, Dimapur, Patton declared that the time had come for the BJP to shed its dependence on seat-sharing arrangements and work towards forming its own government in the State.

Recalling the party’s journey in Nagaland, Patton said the BJP had grown steadily over the years. “When I first contested on a BJP ticket in 2008, only two of us — myself and the late MC Konyak — were elected. By 2018, under the 40:20 seat-sharing arrangements, the BJP contested 20 seats and won 12, a 60 percent strike rate when their alliance partner secured 18 out of 40. In 2023, again, we secured 12 seats,” he said.

“Is there any resolution made by BJP that we should not increase more than 12 seat?”, he asked drawing applause from the gathering.

He stated that if he assesses today’s attendance, and if they face elections in 2028, they need to contest 60 out of 60 seats. He recalled that in 2023, he fought “tooth and nail” and should aim for 60/60, if not 30/30.

He questioned if there is anything for Nagaland or any decision preventing the BJP from contesting more than 20 seats. “No. There is no such decision,” he informed.

He said that with what they are receiving from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the infrastructure developments, he hoped that under Modi’s leadership and Prime Ministership, they want to have a BJP government in Nagaland.

He wondered how long they would continue with a 40/20 arrangement and suggested for friendly contests to increase their number of seats stating that it is up to them and their performance. Patton stressed that the strength of the BJP lies in its grassroots workers.

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Addressing the elected members present, he urged them not to neglect BJP karyakartas (party workers), emphasizing that they are there today because of them. He urged the BJP legislators to take care of not only their respective 12 constituencies but all 60 Assembly constituencies if they genuinely want a friendly contest.

He also appealed and requested all the BJP karyakartas to be active and work 24/7 to strengthen the party. He advised them against criticizing or speaking ill of each other.

“Don’t criticize. Don’t talk ill of each other. That is that is. So let’s work together. And the election is hardly only two and a half years…not even two and a half years. We are saying that we still have two and a half years more for our next election. No. We have only one year three months,” he said, adding, and everyone would be busy with their respective constituencies.

Patton called on workers to give their full cooperation to Nagaland State BJP President Benjamin Yepthomi, adding that no one should speak ill of the state president or BJP karyakartas. He declared that he would not allow anyone to enter his gate and urged everyone to work together and support each other for the betterment of the BJP. He encouraged everyone to pray that in 2028, they increase their Assembly seats and do their best to have their own government.

Turning personal, Patton reflected on his long journey in politics. “I joined politics in 1982. My first contest was that very year. I have completed 43 years in politics. But why do I still feel young? Because of the BJP. I am already 70, but I feel like sweet 16,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the gathering. “If you want to remain young, join the BJP,” he quipped.

In his presidential address, Benjamin Yepthomi called upon party workers to reaffirm their dedication and discipline while working towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2027”.

He described the gathering as “a moment of reflection, renewal, and reaffirmation” of the BJP’s resolve to serve the people of Nagaland with dedication.

Highlighting India’s “transformational journey” under Prime Minister Modi over the past decade, Yepthomi said the nation has witnessed sweeping changes, from economic reforms to infrastructure growth, empowerment of the poor, and strengthened national security.

“Nagaland too has been blessed with historic attention from the central government, whether it is connectivity, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, or welfare schemes,” he said, adding that the BJP has ensured the state is not left behind.

The BJP President urged karyakartas to ensure that flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Digital India, and Startup India reach every household, including the remotest villages.

“The true strength of the BJP lies in its discipline, dedication, and unity. Our greatest asset is the ordinary men and women who work tirelessly day and night for the cause of the party and the nation,” he stated.

Yepthomi reminded workers that the road ahead would not be without political, social, and cultural challenges but maintained that the BJP has always transformed challenges into opportunities. He said the party’s mission in Nagaland is to expand its presence from the booth level upwards, win the trust of every citizen, and ensure the state contributes fully to the national vision of a developed India by 2047.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by V Shekishe Achumi, Dimapur District President.

The executive meeting was also attended BJP National Secretary, incharge Nagaland and Meghalaya, A K Anthony, National Spokesperson, Guru Prakash and National General Secretary, Dushyant Kumar Gautam.