Morung Express News
Mokokchung | March 26
With the withdrawal deadline ending on March 26, the stage is set for the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election, with six candidates remaining in the fray after scrutiny of nomination papers was completed on March 24.
According to election officials, nominations filed by BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen (35), Congress nominee T. Chalukumba Ao (66), National People’s Party (NPP) candidate I Abenjang (49), and Independent candidates Imtiwapang Kichu (43), Major (Retd) Toshikaba (46), and Imchatoba Imchen (51) were found valid during scrutiny.
An additional Independent aspirant, Wapangmeren, who had filed nomination as a standby candidate for Major (Retd) Toshikaba, also cleared scrutiny but withdrew his candidature on March 25, leaving six candidates in the contest.
The bye-election was necessitated by the demise of veteran BJP leader and five-time MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November 2025.
High-stakes contest ahead
With six candidates in the fray, three Independents and nominees from BJP, NPP, and Congress, the Koridang by-election is shaping into a keenly contested multi-cornered fight. The constituency, considered one of the most politically significant in Mokokchung district, has often drawn attention for its intense electoral battles.
Polling is scheduled for April 9, while counting will take place on May 4. The electorate comprises 22,266 voters, including 11,253 male and 11,013 female electors.
