KOHIMA, OCTOBER 4: Multi-cornered contest is expected in both Assembly seats due for bye-election on November 3 in the State.
Election temperature is heating up in both the Assembly constituencies but political parties are yet to finalize the names of candidates. The key players would be NDPP and the BJP ~ the main allies of the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).
BJP will contest in the Kiphire-Pungro constituency while NDPP will field a candidate in the Southern Angami-1 constituency. In both constituencies reportedly there are several intending candidates seeking tickets for BJP and NDPP. But the parties are yet to finalize the names of candidates.
Sources said opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Congress may also contest.
BJP and NDPP sources said there are several intending candidates seeking tickets and that there was no consensus among leaders on choosing candidates.
In the Kiphire-Pungro constituency there were nearly a dozen intending candidates seeking BJP ticket. There was no report of takers for NPF and the Congress tickets.
BJP source said there was no consensus among party leadership on choosing the candidate but added that saffron leaders will not take any risk that could cost the party.
Winning the Kiphire-Pungro constituency would be another feather in the party’s cap when the party is trying to consolidate its hold in the State. The party holds the remote control in Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio PDA Government. The BJP has 12 MLAs in the Assembly.
NDPP source also said there are more than one intending candidate seeking the party ticket but Chief Minister, Rio is likely to take the final call.
Both the seats have remained vacant after the demise of NPF lawmaker, Thorechu and former Speaker, Vikho-o Yhoshu.
The schedule for the bye-election was issued in the Gazette notification on October 9, last date of nomination – October 16 and scrutiny – October 17. Last date of withdrawal is October 19, date of poll is November 3 and counting will be on November 11.
Model Code of Conduct is already in force in Kiphire and Kohima districts.
(Page News Service)
