While bypolls to nine assembly constituencies in the northeast (five in Assam, three in Meghalaya and one in Mizoram) are to be held on October 30, Nagaland’s tenth seat is already a winner. Last week, National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate S Keshu Yimchungar took oath as the MLA of Shamtor-Chesar constituency in the eastern district of Tuensang after being elected unopposed from the seat.
The by-election in Shamtore-Chesar, located near Indo-Myanmar, was held in July following the death of NDPP MLA Toshi Vungtung.
With the newly formed “opposition-less” United Democratic Alliance (UDA), it was decided that a “consensus candidate” would be supported by all parties.
Congratulations sir. s. Keshu Yimchunger @keoshu On being elected to by-election 58 Shemetore-Chesore AC @NDPPofficial candidate and UDA consensus candidate. My best wishes for a successful tenure. Thanks to coalition partners, people of the region and all well wishers pic.twitter.com/th4zji0N5T
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) 13 October 2021
In September, the opposition party, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), officially joined hands with the Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) – which includes the National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). BJP And two independents – for speedy resolution of the Naga political problem.
A BJP member from Nagaland said, “The NPF decided not to contest the election and the BJP did not field a candidate as the seat was for the NDPP under the pre-poll alliance agreement.”
“We decided not to contest the elections to ensure that there is peace and tranquility among all parties and the spirit of the recent opposition-less government. Also the MLA who passed away was also from NDPP, so out of respect we decided not to contest,” said Kuzholujo Neenu, member, working committee, NPF.
This paved the way for Yimchungar, a 44-year-old primary school teacher from Sangphoor village.
Kekongchim Yimchungar, the local leader of Shematore Chesor and former president of East Nagaland People’s Organization, said that Yimchungar is a new name in the political scene of Nagaland, but he has been working for the people at the grassroots level since last few years.
On why he chose Yimchunger, Obed Quinker, NDPP general secretary, said the party works on the principle of “loyalty and loyalty”. “We like to focus on the people at the grassroots level. Yimchungar is a public candidate and a social worker and thus, was a natural choice,” he said.
Yimchunger grew up in difficult conditions, even working as an assistant in a hotel to make a living. While he was not directly involved with any political party, the 44-year-old said he actively supported Vungtung (who was in the same village) in the last 2018 elections. “Thus, many NDPP leaders know and support me,” said Yimchungar, who was engaged in social work in his village – whether it was helping the poor get admission in schools, or timely medical attention. Have to pay attention the treatment. “I entered politics because I realized that this is the only way to liberate the poor, rural masses. My constituency comes in remote rural area. As an MLA, I will continue to work for the upliftment of the people here.
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