While nine assembly constituencies in the Northeast (five in Assam, three in Meghalaya and one in Mizoram) are up for bypolls on October 30, Nagaland’s tenth seat is already a winner. Last week, National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate S Keoshu Yimchunger took oath as the MLA of Shamtor-Chesar constituency in the eastern district of Tuensang after being elected to the seat unopposed.
After the death of NDPP MLA Toshi Vungtung in July, a by-election was held in Shamtore-Chesar, located close to India-Myanmar.
With the newly formed “opposition-less” United Democratic Alliance (UDA), it was decided that a “consensus candidate” would be supported by all parties.
Congratulations, Mr. S. keshu yimchunger @keoshu On being elected to the 58 Shametor-Chesore AC by-election @NDPPofficial candidate and UDA consensus candidate. My best wishes for a successful tenure. Thanks to the coalition partners, the people of the constituency and all the well wishers pic.twitter.com/th4zji0N5T
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) 13 October 2021
In September, the opposition party, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), officially joined hands with the Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) – which includes the National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). BJP And two independents – for speedy resolution of the Naga political problem.
A BJP member from Nagaland said, “The NPF decided not to contest the election and the BJP did not field a candidate as the seat was for the NDPP under the pre-poll alliance agreement.”
“We decided not to contest the elections to ensure that there is peace and tranquility among all parties and in the spirit of the recent opposition-less government. Also the MLA who passed away was also from NDPP, so out of respect we decided not to contest,” said Kuzholujo Nienu, member, working committee, NPF.
This paved the way for Yimchungar, a 44-year-old primary school teacher from Sangphoor village.
Kekongchim Yimchungar, a local leader of Shematore Chesor and former president of East Nagaland People’s Organization, said that while Yimchungar is a new name in the political scene of Nagaland, he has been working for the people at the grassroots level for the past few years.
On why he chose Yimchunger, Obed Quinker, NDPP, general secretary, said the party works on the principle of “loyalty and loyalty”. “We like to focus on the people at the grassroots level. Yimchungar is a people’s candidate and a social activist and thus, was a natural choice,” he said.
Yimchunger grew up in difficult conditions, even working as an assistant in a hotel to make a living. While he was not directly involved with any political party, the 44-year-old said he actively supported Vungtung (who was in the same village) in the last 2018 elections. “Thus, many NDPP leaders know and support me,” said Yimchungar, who was engaged in social work in his village – whether it was helping the poor get admission in schools, or timely medical attention. the treatment. “I entered politics because I realized that this was the only way to liberate the poor, rural masses. My constituency falls in a very remote rural area. As an MLA, I will continue to work for the upliftment of the people here.
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