Retired Army officer Major (Retd.) Toshikaba on April 2 declared his candidature for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election, contesting as an Independent.

Declaring his bid at his residence in Chungtia village in the presence of a large gathering of his supporters and well-wishers, Toshikaba said the outcome of the election would not be determined solely by party affiliation. He dismissed the notion that a candidate from the ruling party would have an assured advantage, stating that the political situation remains open.

He will be contesting under the envelope symbol.

Toshikaba, who is seeking a second term, noted that with no consensus candidate emerging from any village, the contest remains wide open among the six candidates in the fray, including three from national parties and three Independents.

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Referring to the recent common platform organised by Khensa Senso Mungdang, he said the programme provided an opportunity for candidates to present their views before the electorate.

Stating that it would not be possible to reach every household during the campaign, he expressed confidence that voters would make their choice based on their own judgement.

Rev. Laka Tzüdir, Pastor of CBA, offered a dedicatory prayer for candidate Toshikaba Kichu.

Several supporters, including T. Imtitoshi Kichu, Imkongnechit, Tadongniken Ajem and Temsukala, spoke in support of his candidature. The programme concluded with a prayer led by Onen Pastor, LBA.