The Nagaland unit of Janata Dal (United) is mulling to field its party candidate in the by-election to 43-Tapi assembly constituency seat, scheduled to be held on November 7, following the demise of sitting MLA and advisor Noke Wangnao.
This was among several agendas discussed at a closed door “strategy meeting” at Hotel Seb Tower here on Monday. Speaking exclusively with Nagaland Post following the meeting, JD(U) state unit president NSN Lotha disclosed that the discussions primarily centred on restructuring of party and on the prospect of fielding a candidate for the upcoming by-election to the 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency.
Regarding nomination of candidate for the 43-Tapi by-election, Lotha said the decision would depend after holding consultations with the party’s high command. JD (U) candidate Geihwang Konyak, who had contested the 43-Tapi constituency during the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, also attended the meeting.
Asked about the JDU’s stance on continuing support for the Rio-led government, he reiterated that a decision would be reached only after consulting the party’s high command.
He emphasised that concrete decisions arising from these discussions would be made subsequently after a thorough reorganisation of the party.
“Once we have reorganised the party, we will leave for Delhi to discuss all matters with the party’s high command,” he revealed. Lotha further informed this reporter that the Monday’s discussions also focused on preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Besides the state president, the meeting was also attended by general secretary Imsumongba Pongen, lone JD(U) MLA Jwenga Seb among others.