Six of the seven independent legislators part of the ruling NPF-led DAN government who were elected in 2008 are to resign from the house on Monday, January 21 so as enable them to obtain NPF tickets for the February 23 election.
Cabinet sources confirmed to Nagaland Post that after resignations, all the six candidates will apply NPF tickets to stand as party candidates. One of the independent legislators also confirmed that all six of them would be resigning by January 21 though the decision on the date was left to individual legislators.
The legislator revealed that the NPF Central Office had asked them to resign on or before January 24. Further, the legislator also confirmed that after resigning, all six of them would be joining the NPF party.
The six independent legislators who will resign to join NPF include- Chotisuh Sazo parliamentary secretary social welfare, child and women development( who won the 18 Chozuba in 2008 defeating sitting member Thenucho of the NPF) ; Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao minister PHE (who won the 25 Mongoya seat in 2008 defeating sitting Congress member N.Supongmeren Jamir); Dr. K.C. Nihoshe parliamentary secretary industries & commerce(who won the 35 Zunheboto seat defeating sitting Congress member Hukavi in 2008), P. Dako Phom parliamentary secretary transport and communication, mechanical engineering(who won the 50 Longleng seat in 2008); Kipili Sangtam chairman, NSMDC (who won the 60 Pungro-Kiphire seat in 2003 as NDM and 2008 as independent); and Shetoyi Sumi chairman, NHHDC (who wrested the 33 Suruhuto seat from sitting Independent member Khutovi in 2008).
In the current 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with an effective strength of 60, the ruling NPF has 36 members and runs a coalition with the six independent legislators.
Retd. Dir. to contest
Dr. N. Benjong Aier, retired Director Horticulture Friday declared his candidature for the ensuing state assembly election from 30 Alongtaki assembly constituency.
He made the declaration to supporters at his private residence at 5th Mile, Dimapur to contest from the 30 Alongtaki constituency that covers Japukong, Tzürangkong ranges and two villages from Changkikong range.
Dr. Benjong who hails from Yachang village, took voluntary retirement on January 8 to fight the election. He promised to be “action-oriented” by working hand in hand with the people and not make false promises.
Dr Benjong was earlier asked to run for election in 2008 but this time, he had taken voluntary retirement on January 8 under pressure from his supporters.
Though he was yet to decide from which party he would contest, Dr. Benjong disclosed that he would begin his campaign on January 21 from Longchem.
Sitting MLA from the constituency and parliamentary secretary housing,labour and employment Er.Saku has given the nod for Dr Benjong. In his speech Er Saku said it was time for a “new face” as he himself would be turning 80 within a week.
Others who spoke in the programme included former MLA from the constituency, A.L Yanger and other elders from the constituency.
The declaration programme started with an invocation prayer by home evangelist, DABA, T. Süngjem.
Meanwhile it was informed that Dr. Benjong would be contesting against Moatoshi.
Election fever was yet to be felt in most of Nagaland as filing of nominations scheduled on February 6 was yet to take place.
Congress has exuded confidence that the party will be able to beat the strategies of the ruling NPF of promoting the prospects of several intending independent candidates.
Congress sources said anti-incumbency against the NPF was clear but however admitted, that instead, most intending candidates appeared to be veering to fight as independent candidates.
They said the picture will be clearer after the last date for withdrawal on February 9.