The mass declaration programme of candidates for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election, organised by the Khensa Senso Mungdang under the aegis of the Khensa Village Council, was held at the Multipurpose Hall, Khensa Village on March 28. The programme was led by the office bearers of the Khensa Senso Mungdang.

All six candidates: Daochier I. Imchen (BJP), T. Chalukumba Ao (Congress), I. Abenjang (NPP), Imchatoba Imchen (Independent), Major (Retd) Toshikaba (Independent), and Imtiwapang Kichu (Independent) came together on a common platform to declare their candidature.

BJP candidate Daochier I. Imchen, declaring his candidature as the consensus candidate of the PDA government, on Sunday asserted his readiness to carry forward the legacy of his late father, Imkong L. Imchen and represent the voice of Koridang in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Imchen expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership, including the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and the party’s national president, for entrusting him with the party ticket. He also acknowledged the leadership and vision of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, crediting them for guiding the state government.

Highlighting the significance of the by-election, he noted that the coming together of all six candidates on a common platform like this “its a sign of healthy democracy,” where ideas can be openly shared and assessed by the people of the 28 Koridang constituency. He also acknowledged the Khensa Village Council for organizing the platform.

Referring to Khensa’s longstanding support, Imchen said the village had stood by his father from 2003 to 2023, enabling his electoral success. He also offered an apology on behalf of his father for any shortcomings during his 23 years of public service.

Seeking the people’s mandate, Imchen said that although the tenure may be limited to one year and six months, he views it as a challenge and an opportunity to serve with dedication. He intends to continue his father’s legacy with great determination and zeal.

Calling for unity, he urged the youth of Khensa to take the lead in strengthening the village and emphasized that the by-election is not about forming a new government, but about filling a crucial seat within the ruling establishment.

“I am back home,” he said, referring to Khensa Village, while assuring that, if elected, he would be the voice of Khensa and Koridang in the Assembly, ensuring their concerns are heard at both the state and national levels.

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Congress candidate T. Chalukumba Ao stated that he considers himself neutral and remarked that while the world is changing, Koridang has not seen similar progress. He noted that despite the presence of multiple political parties, the current state government functions as opposition less.

He said that the candidate elected in this by-election will represent the constituency in the Assembly and highlighted that at the national level, governance revolves around the BJP and Congress as the principal ruling and opposition parties. Reaffirming his faith in the Congress, he emphasized the party’s secular principles.

Ao further spoke on the idea of a welfare state with equitable distribution and proposed a free and fair polling process. He said the outcome of the election would play a role in shaping the future direction of Koridang, and urged citizens to vote wisely. Referring to Khensa, he said attention would be on how the village votes.

He also observed that the Naga political issue remains unresolved and added that the by-election could influence the direction of governance.

I Abenjang in his address called for political resurrection and revival. And said he has great vision for Koridang. Mentioning NPP party is a national party and tribal people based and its focuses on Youth and women empowerment and downtrodden and underprivileged sections , focus for Koridang , he said irrespective of any Village, I will spread the love with every village equally.

NPP candidate I. Abenjang, in his address, called for political resurgence and revival, stating that he has a strong vision for the development of Koridang. He highlighted that the NPP is a national party with a focus on tribal communities and focuses on youth and women empowerment, as well as the welfare of downtrodden and underprivileged sections.

Focusing on Koridang, he stated, “irrespective of any village, I will spread the love with every village equally.”

Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen said he is contesting the by-election after assessing the political, social and economic conditions of Koridang. He emphasized on youth and women empowerment.

Highlighting unemployment, he stated that more than two thousand youths between the ages of 15 and 35 are without jobs. On women empowerment, he noted the presence of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the villages and said there are sufficient government schemes and policies that can be effectively implemented to support women’s self-sustenance. He added that a change in mindset would contribute to economic growth.

Imchen also spoke on the broader identity of Koridang, describing it as central to Naga regional and political aspirations, and said efforts are needed to address existing challenges and strengthen its core values. He said he would take these concerns to the Assembly if elected.

Explaining his decision to contest as an Independent, he said it allows for free thinking, especially in the context of an opposition-less state government. He appealed to voters to exercise their franchise conscientiously, stating that he does not seek to influence votes through inducements.

Independent candidate Major (Retd) Toshikaba has assured that if elected, the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) for 2026–27 will prioritise youth empowerment, while the subsequent phase from 2027 to 2033 will focus on women empowerment, economic upliftment, infrastructure, and institutional development.

He stated that over the next five to eight years, emphasis would also be placed on promoting agri-allied sectors.

Highlighting infrastructure concerns, Toshikaba pointed to the long-standing neglect of National Highway 702D (Mariani Road) for nearly 15 years, stating that its improvement would be taken up as a priority.

Among other proposals, he mentioned the establishment of a defence academy in Khensa or Alichen, subject to land availability. He also proposed setting up a mini hydro project on the Milak River in the Khensa area, along with the development of a futsal ground and cold storage facilities in Longkhum.

He further called for the activation of the ITC centre in Noklak to facilitate trade with Southeast Asian countries.

He further highlighted the importance of pension schemes and stressed the need to introduce Nagamese as a subject, while also advocating its use during Assembly sessions.

Toshikaba remarked, “A man with vision can bring money, but a man with money cannot bring vision.”

Independent candidate Imtiwapang Kichu on Sunday announced his election symbol, “battery torch,” stating “let me be the torch bearer for Koridang,” while emphasising that every vote will be crucial in realising his vision for the constituency.

Highlighting Koridang’s strategic geographical position, he said the constituency holds significant political, social, and economic importance, further strengthened by the presence of the district headquarters within its jurisdiction.

On development, Kichu prioritised road connectivity and effective utilisation of available resources. He also raised concerns over accountability and corruption, stating that “change begins with us,” and cautioned against “pity politics,” warning that it could lead to collective failure without clear accountability.

He pointed out that despite multiple central projects, benefits often do not reach the grassroots level, and noted land-related challenges as a major obstacle to infrastructure development.

Addressing the Naga political issue, he attributed the rise in factions to disunity, stating that the “social fabric is destroyed,” and added that he intends to focus on addressing it.

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he proposed “Viksit Koridang” initiative to contribute towards a developed Nagaland.