Congress flags policy gaps; calls for opposition voice

Senior Congress leaders on Tuesday asserted that the upcoming Koridang by-election would serve as a crucial test of democratic representation in Nagaland, while highlighting a range of governance, economic and policy concerns at a press conference held at Congress Bhavan, Kohima.
Addressing the media, Lok Sabha MP and AICC in-charge of Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, said the by-election was significant not merely for electing one MLA but for restoring a functional opposition in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which he maintained currently had “virtually no opposition.” He stressed that even a single Congress representative would not destabilise the government but would ensure checks and balances and enhance accountability.
Ulaka, who is campaigning for Congress candidate T. Chalukumba Ao, described him as a grassroots leader contesting his fourth election, highlighting his perseverance and consistent engagement with the public despite earlier defeats. He said the party had received an “overwhelming” response during its campaign in Koridang constituency. Condemning reported incidents of violence, Ulaka urged the administration, village councils and stakeholders to ensure free and fair polling without inducements, intimidation or coercion.
He further observed that there appeared to be signs that “not all is well” within the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), suggesting that political undercurrents could influence the outcome of the by-election. Referring to recent electoral trends, Ulaka cited the Lok Sabha victory of Supongmeren Jamir as an indication of continued public support for the Congress party in Nagaland, stating that the party retained a “soft corner” among the electorate.
On key state issues, Ulaka raised concerns over the implementation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), stating that despite prolonged discussions and a recent agreement, there was a lack of clarity from both the Centre and the state government. He termed the delay a case of “political negligence” rather than administrative lapse and demanded clear timelines and immediate legislative action.
He also flagged the ongoing deadlock over the Foothill Road project, describing it as Nagaland’s “lifeline,” and criticised the impasse between the government and the Foothills Road Coordination Committee. He said the prolonged stalemate was adversely affecting public interest and called on the Chief Minister to intervene and resolve the issue without delay.
On rural employment, Ulaka said Nagaland had one of the lowest wage rates under MGNREGA, pegged at around Rs. 224–230, and alleged that the scheme was being weakened due to inadequate funding, mounting liabilities and delays in implementation. He further claimed that budgetary announcements were not translating into ground-level benefits. Highlighting infrastructure concerns, Ulaka pointed to poor road conditions during a recent visit to Mokokchung and traffic congestion in Kohima, questioning the performance of the government despite enjoying an absolute majority in the Assembly.
He also expressed concern over a proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), stating that it could adversely impact missionary institutions involved in education and healthcare by enabling greater government control over foreign-funded projects. He cautioned that such developments, along with past policy decisions, raised apprehensions regarding constitutional safeguards under Article 371A.
Ulaka further alleged that incidents involving harassment and attacks on people from the Northeast in other parts of the country were not being adequately addressed, and criticised the perceived silence of state leadership on such issues.
Manipur CLP leader Meghachandra Singh, who also addressed the press conference, criticised the BJP-led alliance government in Nagaland, alleging lack of development, rising unemployment and unchecked inflation. He claimed that unemployment in the state stood at around 16 per cent, higher than the national average, and expressed concern over the condition of educated youth and the lack of opportunities. Singh also alleged that women’s safety and empowerment remained inadequate and accused the government of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in development projects. Citing financial reports, he claimed that around 250 projects worth over Rs. 400 crore remained incomplete in recent years, with delays in submission of utilisation certificates.
Former Odisha PCC president Jayadev Jena said that contrary to his initial impression, the by-election had generated serious interest among the people. Based on his interactions across several locations, he said voters were increasingly aware of the implications of electing a representative in a state without an opposition. Jena reiterated concerns over issues affecting minorities and criticised certain national policies, while affirming the Congress party’s commitment to secularism and constitutional values.
Responding to queries on organisational changes, Ulaka clarified that the restructuring of district leadership under the “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan” was part of a nationwide exercise involving consultations with party workers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. He said any grievances arising from recent appointments, including in Mokokchung, would be reviewed and addressed. On the party’s electoral prospects, Ulaka expressed confidence in securing victory, citing positive feedback from grassroots interactions, the candidate’s past performance, and perceived dissatisfaction within sections of the electorate.
The Congress leaders maintained that the Koridang by-election was not merely a constituency contest but a defining moment for Nagaland’s democratic framework, urging voters to support their candidate in order to ensure transparency, accountability and the presence of an effective opposition voice in the Assembly