The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on April 2 expressed confidence that its consensus candidate, Daochier Imchen, will secure victory in the upcoming by-election to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, even as it raised concerns over reported disturbances in parts of the constituency ahead of polling.
Addressing a press conference at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung, Nagaland Minister and senior BJP leader Temjen Imna Along said the by-election, scheduled for April 9, comes at a crucial time and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
He stated that the campaign of the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and state BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi, has been extensive and effective, with several leaders including the advisors campaigning across the constituency.
Referring to the party’s candidate, Daochier Imchen, the son of late Imkong L. Imchen, Along said the response from voters across all villages of the constituency has been “very promising,” despite the presence of five other candidates in the fray. He claimed that Daochier Imchen is “on the winning foot” and attributed part of the support to a sympathy wave, while expressing confidence that the BJP would win with a high margin of votes.
Along also said that some of the other intending candidates were “giving up in many ways” and that internal negotiations were ongoing, suggesting that some may extend support to the PDA consensus candidate. “How far and how true that is will be known on the polling day,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the role of village councils in maintaining law and order and promoting a clean and fair election process, stating that the imposition of discipline at the village level has contributed positively to the conduct of the election so far.
At the same time, Along raised concern over incidents of disturbance reported from Longkhum and Mangmetong areas, including alleged stone pelting on April 2. Terming such acts as “unconventional” and unacceptable in a democratic process, he said the party would take up the matter with the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police, and called for stringent measures to ensure peaceful polling.
He said that any attempt to disrupt law and order, threaten voters or create unrest would not be tolerated, adding that the party would not remain a silent spectator to such developments. Emphasising that elections are a “festival of democracy,” he appealed for a peaceful environment to enable voters to exercise their franchise freely.
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Responding to queries on the Mangmetong Village Council’s declaration of support for Daochier Imchen, Along said that while village councils function collectively within traditional frameworks, such decisions reflect their intention to work for the welfare and uplift of the village. He maintained that such declarations do not prevent individuals from exercising their democratic rights, noting that other candidates have also been able to campaign freely.
On governance, Along stressed that electing a representative aligned with the ruling government would help ensure better coordination and facilitate development in the constituency. He said the by-election is important not just to elect an MLA, but to have a representative who can work “inside the government” for the upliftment of the constituency.
Rejecting criticism over the party’s choice of candidate, he dismissed allegations of dynastic politics, stating that the selection was based on “ability and capability” following due process within the party’s organisational structure.
He also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the party and its candidate to the electorate of Koridang for their support, expressing confidence in the leadership of a “young and dynamic leader” committed to good governance.
Reiterating the party’s appeal, Along called upon all stakeholders to uphold peace and ensure a free and fair election in the run-up to polling day.
