Ending much speculation regarding the issue of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tickets for the upcoming Nagaland state elections, the BJP declared its list of candidates at the BJP Central headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday.
Finalising the 40:20 seat sharing with NDPP, the BJP is also fielding a woman candidate in Er. Kahuli Sema from the 32 Atoizu AC.
The other candidates are – 1 Dimapur-I: H Tovihoto Ayemi, 4 Ghaspani-I: N Jacob Zhimomi, 15 Southern Angami-II: Er. Kropol Vitsu, 21 Tuli: Panjung Jamir, 28 Koridang: Imkong L Imchen, 30 Alongtaki: Temjen Imna Along, 31 Akuluto: Kazheto Kinimi, 33 Suruhuto: H Khehovi, 37 Tyui: Yanthungo Patton, 38 Wokha: Renbonthung Ezung, 40 Bhandari: Mmhonlumo Kikon, 41 Tizit: P Paiwang Konyak, 44 Phomching: Konngam Konyak, 46 Mon Town: Er. Cheong Konyak, 50 Longleng: S Pangnyu Phom, 52 Longkhim Chare: Sethrongkyu Chang, 53 Tuensang Sadar-I: Bashangmongba Chang, 56 Nokak: H Haiying and 59 Seyochung Sitimi: V Kashiho Sangtam.
The BJP is contesting with 11 sitting MLAs including four seats that the party had contested in 2018 and five new seats. Out of the present 12 sitting MLAs, Longrineken from 29 Jangpetkong AC did not make the list.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, while addressing the press conference, exuded confidence that the BJP:NDPP alliance will win with a ‘thumping majority’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
It may be mentioned that Kohima district BJP unit had staged a series of dharna outside the BJP office in Kohima after the poll dates were announced demanding a BJP ticket for Er. Kropol Vitsu from 15 Southern Angami-II.
Kohima BJP president Khrielie Usou, speaking to Nagaland Tribune after the declaration of tickets, stated that, ‘BJP being a systematic and disciplined party, they were hopeful the high command would listen to the voice of the karyakartas’ and expressed gratitude to the central leaders, Nagaland state BJP president, deputy chief minister Y Patton for allotting the party ticket to Er. Vitsu.
Read more: Nagaland assembly polls: NDPP agrees to part with 4 urban seats to ally BJP
40:20 seat sharing formula stands, no contest between NDPP and BJP: Neiphiu Rio
In the 2018 election, BJP and NDPP had contested as alliance partners with the same seat-sharing formula. The BJP had won 12 seats with a vote share of 50.31%, while the NDPP won 18 seats with 25.30% vote share.
