As voters under 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency go to the polls on April 9 to elect the next MLA out of six in the fray, speculations are rife on an “unwritten and hidden” understanding among some of the contesting candidates to withdraw in favour of the other.
This is not confirmed yet the scenario indicates that influential elements some of the villages are trying to forge village unity so that a candidate backs out in favour of the stronger candidate. ‘
This is to ensure that the chances of a sole candidate from the village will have better chance winning.
How this will eventually work out will be clear after the votes are cast on April 9.
Among the villages, Chungtia has three candidates: Maj (Retd.) Toshikaba (Ind), Imtiwapang Kichu (Ind) and T. Chalukumba Ao (Cong). Two of the candidates are from Mangmetong village: Daochier I. Imchen (BJP) and Imchatoba Imchen (Ind). The lone candidate from Longkhum is I. Abenjang of NPP.
All arrangements in place for Koridang by-poll, says DC & DEO: Deputy Commissioner (DC) & District Election Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, Wednesday said all arrangements were in place for conducting the by-election to 28 Koridang assembly constituency. 28 Koridang assembly constituency (ST) would go to polls on April 9 with a total of 22382 voters (male-11311 female-11071).
DC & DEO Mokokchung said that the district election machinery along with security forces were fully prepared to conduct in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken for the by-poll. DC & DEO said that all teams dispatched from DC Office have reached all the 30 polling stations along with security personnel.
Verma said that additional security forces have been deployed at vulnerable locations, besides one company of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployed along with State armed police force in all 30 polling stations.
Further, DC & DEO stated that the interstate border with Assam has been sealed through an order issued on Tuesday.
DC &DEO further informed that two polling stations would be completely manned by women polling personnel.
NPP flags alleged impersonation of IRB personnel: National People’s Party (NPP) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) alleging impersonation of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel by anti-social elements in the run-up to the April 9 by-election to the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency.
In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner, NPP national secretary Saidul Khan said credible inputs indicated that anti-social elements were allegedly impersonating IRB personnel and stationed in Chungtia, Longkhum and Mangmetong villages.
The party alleged that such individuals, posing as security personnel, were exercising unauthorised control over movement of villagers, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, and potentially influencing or suppressing free voter participation.
Stating that the situation posed a direct threat to the integrity of the electoral process, NPP warned that the presence of unverified armed personnel ahead of polling could lead to voter intimidation, booth capture, coercive influence and disruption of law and order.
The party maintained that such acts amounted to violations of the Model Code of Conduct, ECI guidelines on deployment of forces, and provisions relating to impersonation of public servants and electoral interference.
In view of the seriousness of the issue, NPP urged the ECI to immediately verify all IRB personnel deployed in the constituency, remove any unverified or impersonating individuals, and replace the IRB deployment with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure neutrality.
It also sought deployment of central observers and micro-observers in the affected areas and issuance of strict instructions to prevent voter intimidation or restriction of movement.
Further, a copy of the complaint was submitted to the Nagaland Police, requesting immediate verification of deployment records of IRB personnel and strict action against any impersonators or unauthorised armed presence.
The party cautioned that any delay in addressing the issue could compromise free and fair elections and urged the Commission to act swiftly to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process.