Uproar in DDCC over appointment of president

A leadership dispute has erupted within the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) after the All India Congress Committee (AICC) appointed Rajesh Kumar Sethi as president, prompting strong objections from incumbent president Kutoho Chishi and party workers.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, Kutoho expressed shock at the announcement. He noted that he was elected DDCC president through an AICC-supervised process on September 3, 2023, with a mandate till 2028.
He pointed out that during the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan held February 17-24, 2026, AICC district observer Dr Vijay Laxmi Sadho found no competing nominations for the position. “The sudden announcement of Rajesh Kumar Sethi has come as a surprise,” Kutoho stated.
Kutoho questioned Sethi’s eligibility, citing requirements for valid primary membership, and noted Sethi was in Delhi during the organizational exercise. DDCC general secretary Kumjimong corroborated that no nomination was received during the process and warned that the decision has created uncertainty among party workers.
DDCC media cell general secretary Andrew Humtsoe clarified the party was not opposing AICC but questioning the procedure adopted.
Leaders from Dimapur constituencies also questioned Sethi’s membership status, while district minority chairman Md Ahad Uddin Talukdar backed Chishi and cautioned of adverse impact on party functioning.
Meanwhile, NPCC president S. Supongmeren Jamir in response to the controversy, attributed it to “anomalies” requiring correction. He revealed similar issues exist in Mokokchung and Mon district committees. He said NPCC will meet April 4 to approach the party high command for rectification. “Until further notice, all present presidents will continue,” Supongmeren said, seeking to restore stability within the party structure.
Sethi clarifies:
Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar Sethi in a press statement, expressed surprise at his nomination as Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) president, stating he had neither filed nomination nor sought the position. His name was proposed following deliberations within the Srijjan Sangathan Abhiyan organizational exercise across Nagaland and the country.
While accepting the responsibility, Sethi acknowledged the concerns raised by DCC Dimapur during its recent conference, terming them valid and deserving consideration. He urged NPCC and AICC to clarify the matter at the earliest.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Congress party, Sethi noted he currently serves in the AICC Minority department. He stated his decision on accepting the post would be guided entirely by party leadership’s direction.
Expressing gratitude to Congress leadership, Sethi thanked Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Saptagiri Ulaka, Christopher Tilak, and Supongmeren Jamir for their confidence in him.