Morung Express News
Mokokchung | March 23
The contest for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency intensified on Monday as five candidates filed their nominations on the final day, taking the total number of candidates in the fray to six.
Those who filed nominations on Monday at the DC Office complex include I Abenjang (49) of the National People’s Party (NPP), Imtiwapang Kichu (43) (Independent), Imchatoba Imchen (51) (Independent), Major (Retd) Toshikaba (46) (Independent), and T Chalukumba Ao (66) of the Indian National Congress.
They join BJP nominee Daochier I Imchen, who had filed his nomination earlier on March 20.
Of the six candidates, three are contesting as Independents, while the others represent the BJP, NPP, and Congress.
Speaking to the media after filing his nomination, I Abenjang (49) said Koridang remains one of the most critical constituencies during elections and often becomes the centre of attention. He expressed concern over what he described as an “out of hand situation” in elections over the past four to five terms and stressed the need for peaceful polls.
He said his priority is to ensure free and fair elections and promote development rooted in trust rather than vote-bank politics. Emphasising his commitment to the people, he stated that he is contesting on the principles of his party and expressed confidence in securing victory.
Imtiwapang Kichu (43), who recently resigned as an Inspector in the Department of Industries and Commerce to contest the election, said he may not be affiliated with any political party but is not new to public service.
He stated that he has served in various capacities and now seeks to serve on a larger platform. Highlighting Koridang’s regional political character, he said he intends to work based on local dynamics and needs. With three candidates from his native village Chungtia in the fray, he said his focus remains on youth empowerment and noted that many young people are supporting him.
Major (Retd) Toshikaba (46) said that in the previous election he lost by a margin of 410 votes due to certain “issues,” but expressed confidence that the people are now with him.
He stated that although he is contesting as an Independent, he is seeking the people’s mandate. Emphasising accessibility, he said he would remain in constant touch with his constituents if elected.
He also reiterated his opposition to the concept of a consensus candidate and pointed out that no such candidate has emerged from Chungtia this time. Referring to Koridang’s electoral history, he stressed the need to shed its association with election-related violence and called for free and fair polls. He remarked that elections in the past were conducted “through AK-47,” but expressed hope that this time the process would be peaceful, with “one man, one vote” as the guiding principle.
Imchatoba Imchen (51), a former president of the Naga Students’ Federation and former leader of youth organisations under NDPP and NPF, said that democracy allows multiple candidates even from the same village.
He maintained that resigning from his party would not affect his prospects, as he is contesting as a free and independent candidate with a vision for Koridang.
Highlighting the constituency’s regional character, he said his aim is to uphold its integrity while focusing on economic sustenance, human resource development, and addressing the Naga political issue. He also emphasised youth and women empowerment and called for a forward-looking vision for the constituency. He appealed to voters to support his vision for progress.
T Chalukumba Ao (66), contesting on a Congress ticket and seeking his fourth attempt from the constituency, said the election is significant for his party.
He noted that while the BJP is in power at the Centre, Congress has its own agenda. He expressed confidence that voters across the Ao region would make their voices heard through their mandate.
Ao, who has previously contested as an Independent, from NPP, and on a JD(U) ticket, said Congress had always been his intended party though he did not receive the ticket earlier. He added that the electoral process has changed over time and expressed confidence in a better outcome this time.
It was also learned that BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, the youngest son of the late Imkong L. Imchen, held his declaration programme at his native village Mangmetong on Monday. He had filed his nomination earlier on March 20.
The last date for withdrawal of nominations is March 26.
According to the 28 Koridang AC Master Electoral Roll, there are a total of 22,266 electors, including 11,253 male and 11,013 female voters, who will decide the fate of the six candidates.
Polling is scheduled for April 9, 2026, with counting to be held on May 4, in the Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituency.
The bye-election was necessitated by the demise of veteran politician and five-time MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November 2025.
