The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), joined by senior AICC leaders, on Monday intensified its campaign for the upcoming Koridang by-election, asserting the urgent need for an opposition voice in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Kohima, AICC in-charge for Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, along with leaders from Manipur and Odisha, appealed for a free, fair and violence-free election while raising concerns over governance, development issues and democratic accountability in the state.

He said the visit of senior Congress leaders to the state was primarily to campaign for party candidate, T Chalukumba Ao in the Koridang constituency.

“We are here as star campaigners for our candidate. Yesterday, we visited the constituency and the response has been overwhelming,” Ulaka said.

Ulaka also strongly condemned the recent violence reported in the constituency, asserting that there is no place for violence in a healthy democracy. He appealed to the administration to maintain law and order and ensure a free, fair and inducement-free election.

“We urge the council members and the chairman to cooperate in conducting a peaceful election without threats or violence,” he said.

Highlighting the political scenario in the state, Ulaka noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly currently functions with virtually no opposition. He maintained that even a single Congress MLA would serve as a crucial voice for checks and balances.

“Winning one seat will not destabilize the government, but it will ensure accountability. Democracy needs an opposition,” he said, citing the role of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, in raising national issues.

Ulaka also referred to the victory of S Supongmeren Jamir in the recent Lok Sabha elections, stating that he has been effectively voicing Nagaland’s concerns in Parliament.

Ulaka described T Chalukumba Ao as a grassroots leader contesting his fourth election. “He has stood with the people through thick and thin. Despite previous setbacks, his determination to serve remains strong,” he said, expressing confidence in the electorate’s support.

Ulaka also raised concerns over the implementation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), stating that while the accord was signed recently, there is ambiguity over legislative action.

Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, Ulaka alleged that both the state and central governments were shifting responsibility. He demanded clear timelines and immediate legislative authorization of the FNTA, terming the delay “political negligence.”

He also flagged the ongoing deadlock over the Foothill Road project between the state government and the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee. Ulaka described the road as a “lifeline of Nagaland” and said public interest should not suffer due to administrative differences.

“The Chief Minister must step in and resolve the matter immediately,” he asserted.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Ulaka criticized the wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in Nagaland, claiming it to be among the lowest in the country. He alleged that pending liabilities and delays in notifying new legislative provisions were adversely affecting the scheme.

He also claimed that allocated funds were insufficient to clear outstanding dues and accused the BJP-led central government of making announcements without adequate implementation.

The Congress MP further expressed concern over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), alleging that the changes could allow government interference in institutions receiving foreign funds, including charitable and missionary organizations.

Drawing parallels with other contentious legislations, Ulaka cautioned against any move that could undermine Article 371A, which provides special constitutional safeguards to Nagaland.

“Article 371A was part of the 13th Constitutional Amendment during the formation of Nagaland. We must remain vigilant to protect our rights,” he said.

“A vote for T Chalukumba Ao is a vote for opposition, accountability and the protection of Nagaland’s interests,” he said.

Meghachandra Singh,  MLA and CLP Leader of Manipur, also asserted that the upcoming Koridang by-election is vital not just for electing an MLA but for restoring “healthy democracy” in Nagaland.

Singh said he and other AICC leaders were in the state to “voice the concerns of the people of Koridang and the entire Nagaland.”

He alleged that the BJP-led alliance in Nagaland was focused on “headline management” rather than actual governance and development.

“There is no real development and no lasting peace, particularly in Nagaland and across the North East. The people are suffering. Unemployment and inflation are rising, and the prices of essential commodities are uncontrollably increasing,” Singh said.

Singh claimed that Nagaland has become a “phenomenon of unemployment,” especially among educated youth. He stated that the unemployment rate in the state stands at around 16 per cent, which he said is above the national average.

He also raised concerns about women’s safety and empowerment, alleging that adequate protection and meaningful empowerment initiatives were lacking.

The Manipur MLA further criticized the state government’s performance in implementing development projects since 2021, alleging a failure in transparency and accountability under the BJP-NPF alliance.

Referring to reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Singh claimed that around 250 development works remain incomplete over the past few years, involving more than ₹400 crore.

He alleged that the government had failed to submit timely utilization certificates to the concerned ministries, resulting in stalled projects and delayed benefits to the public.

“Whatever promises were made by the BJP and its alliance partner, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), have not translated into ground reality,” he said.

Singh emphasized that the absence of a strong opposition in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has weakened democratic checks and balances.

“When there is no opposition voice, the government can bulldoze decisions without accountability. There cannot be a healthy democracy without a second voice,” he stated.

He described the Koridang by-election as an opportunity for voters to strengthen democracy and ensure transparency in governance.

“This election is not just about electing one MLA. It is about bringing accountability and safeguarding the democratic process in Nagaland,” Singh said.

The Congress leader maintained that the by-election presents a critical moment for the people to decide the direction of governance in the state.

Jayadev Jena, former Minister and former President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, said the upcoming Koridang by-election is being closely watched by the people of Nagaland, as it represents a rare opportunity to introduce an opposition voice in the State Assembly.

Jena said he had spent the last three days touring various parts of the state and interacting with intellectuals, councillors, chairpersons and members of the public.

“When I first came here, I thought people might not take this by-election seriously. But after meeting different sections of society, I have the impression that the people of Nagaland are seriously thinking about this election — what to do and why to do it,” he said.

Jena described the political situation in Nagaland as “unique,” pointing out that there is currently no effective opposition in the Assembly.

“In a democracy, there must be an opposition voice. If there is none, the government will not be questioned. That is not healthy for democracy,” he stated.

He said many people he met expressed the desire to send the Congress candidate to the Assembly to raise issues on behalf of the public. Jena described T Chalukumba Ao as a humble and serious leader who has earned appreciation across sections.

Drawing parallels with developments across the country, Jena alleged rising instances of atrocities against women and minorities under BJP rule. Referring to the situation in Manipur, he said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited the state early during the crisis, contrasting it with what he termed as a delayed response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The leader accused the BJP of pursuing a “one nation, one election” agenda that he claimed was not supported by Congress leadership .

He alleged that the BJP was attempting to polarize voters and influence elections through money power and other means, and appealed for a free and fair poll in Koridang.

“We request the councillors, the chairman and the people to ensure a free and fair election so that the real mind of the people can be reflected,” Jena said.

“If our candidate wins, he will raise the voice of Nagaland on the floor of the House. Through you, the media, we hope our message reaches the people of the constituency,” he added.

Vice President, NPCC, Capt GK Zhimomi was also present during the press conference.