Elections to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), result of which was declared Thursday, revealed that several prominent legislators lost their seats to newcomers (See table) or former opponents.
Health & Family Welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom and BJP nominee from 50 Longleng A/C was defeated by first-timer A Pongshi Phom of NCP by a margin of 5,270 votes. Former speaker and sitting legislator of 18 Chozuba comnstituency, Dr Chotisuh Sazo, who held the seat as NPF but contested at LJP (RV) candidate, lost to a first-timer Kudecho Khamo of NDPP by a margin of 2238. Soil & Water Conservation and Geology & Mining minister V Kashiho Sangtam of BJP lost to veteran politician C Kipili Sangtam of NPP by 930 votes from 59 Seyochung Sitimi seat.
Senior NDPP legislator from 16 Pfutsero and planning &co-ordination minister and three-time MLA Neiba Kronu lost to independent candidate and first-timer Dr Neisatuo Mero by only 104 votes.
In 9-Kohima town seat, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs adviser and three term consecutive MLA Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire of NDPP lost to first-timer Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso of NPP by 1,342 votes.
BJP’s national spokesperson and IT, Sc & Tech, NRE adviser and two term MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon lost to NPF candidate Achumbemo Kikon by 3,589 votes.
Industries & Commerce, Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship adviser Imnatiba of NDPP lost to veteran politician and former minister Nuklutoshi of NPP by 1,203 votes.
BJP legislator from 33-Suruhoto AC and Advisor Tourism, Art & Culture H. Khehovi Yeptho lost to newcomer and NCP candidate S. ToihoYeptho by a margin of 69 votes.
Sitting NDPP legislator from 12-Tseminyu AC and advisor for Vety &AH, Women Resources Development R. Khing lost to a newcomer and JD(U) candidate Jwenga Seb by a margin of 3315 votes.
Veteran politician and sitting legislator of Yitachu of 20 Meluri who contested as LJP(RV) candidate lost to another newcomer Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe (NDPP) by a margin of 3580.
Other prominent sitting legislators like two term MLA of Tuli, Amenba Yaden (NCP) lost to newcome Panjung Jamir of BJP by a margin of 3029 votes; two term MLA of Pughoboto constituency Y. Vikheho Swu (NDPP) lost to LJP(RV) candidate Dr.Sukhato A.Sema by a margin of 850 votes ; two term MLA of 10 Northern Anagami-I Khriehu Liezietsu (NPF) lost to newcomer Kekhrie Yhome of NDPP by a margin of 1690 voters, three term MLA of Tuensang Sadar –I Toyang Chang (NCP) lost to Bashamongba of BJP by 5644 votes ; NDPP candidate Medo Yokha lost his 14 S.Angami-I to Independent Kevipodi Sophie by 177 votes; Longrineken(LJP-RV) lost the 29 Jangpetkong set to first time Temjenmenba NDPP by 5461 votes.
Other sitting MLAs who lost included—Kezhienyi Khalo (NPF); Zhale Niekha (NCP); Longrineken (LJP); E Eshak Konyak (NDPP); Pohwang Konyak (NCP), N Bongkhao Konyak (NDPP); BS Nganlang Phom (NDPP), H Chuba Chang (NDPP); Muthingnyuba Sangtam (NCP); L. Khumo Khiamniungan (LJP) and T Tangseo Sangtam (RPI-A).