Three candidates will be locking horns for 7 Peren Assembly Constituency in the 14th Nagaland Assembly election scheduled to be conducted on 27 February 2023.

Kingudi Joseph and K. Kengim Kulimbe are looking to oust veteran TR Zeliang, three-time winner from the constituency (2008, 2013 and 2018).

The former Chief Minister of Nagaland had begun his political career in 1982 when he contested from 6 Tening. 2023 NLA election will be Zeliang’s eighth time contesting in the state election and his first with Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) ticket.

He filed his nomination on Monday at the ADC’s office in Peren Town. Earlier on 4 January, a dedication and blessing programme was organised at Jalukie town.

Read more: TR Zeliang files nomination for 2023 Nagaland Assembly election, says small parties not a threat to NDPP-BJP

UDA Chairman TR Zeliang holds dedication programme

Kingudi Joseph, the Naga People’s Front candidate, said that if elected, he will work to develop the district headquarter, which has turned into “jungle”. Water supply connection and regular electricity supply were also among his priorities, he said.

Joseph mentioned to Nagaland Tribune that the youths in the district were lagging and that he will work to provide them with opportunities to advance and thrive.

The former general secretary of Zeliang People Organization (NZPO) declared that he will kick off his campaign after Wednesday’s scrutiny.

The NPF candidate acknowledged that his opponent T.R Zeliang is a “political giant” and yet he said he is hoping that the people will vote fairly and choose their “servant” wisely. He also appealed the voters not to fall prey to money power but rather vote for the person who will be there for them in their times of need.

Joseph filed his nomination on Tuesday as did K. Kengim Kulimbe, Independent candidate.

Kulimbe told Nagaland Tribune that he was confident of winning the forthcoming election from 7 Peren A/C. The former joint secretary of Nagaland Tribal Council stated that his main focus was to reduce unemployment amongst the youth in Peren. He also said that he will do everything possible to bring all-round development to the district.