Six candidates contesting the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election with officials of the Khensa Senso Mungdang during the mass declaration programme held at Khensa village on March 28. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Khensa | March 28
In the spirit of free and fair elections, the Khensa Senso Mungdang organised a mass declaration programme for the six candidates contesting the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election.
Earlier, the Khensa Senso Mungdang, in a notification issued on March 23, stated that the declaration programme for all candidates will take place on the same day. It has restricted the number of supporters accompanying each candidate to a maximum of 20 persons within the venue. The directive, issued for the peaceful conduct of the election within the jurisdiction of Khensa village, is meant for the benefit of all concerned, it stated.
During the programme held at the Multi-purpose Community Hall, Khensa village on March 28, all six candidates—Daochier I Imchen (BJP), T Chalukumba Ao (Congress), I Abenjang (NPP), Imchatoba Imchen (Independent), Major (Retd) Toshikaba (Independent), and Imtiwapang Kichu (Independent), formally declared their candidatures on a common platform in the presence of Khensa electorate and supporters.
Speaking first, Daochier I Imchen said having multiple candidates is a healthy sign of democracy, as it allows aspirants to present their visions and helps voters make informed choices.
If elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly for the remaining 18-month term, he pledged to treat it as a personal challenge and serve with determination. “If the people of Khensa extend to me the same blessings they gave my late father, I assure you that although the face will be new, the vision and passion to serve the people will remain unchanged,” he said.
Imchen urged the electorate, especially the youth, to unite and secure representation in the treasury benches. He pledged to raise the voice of Koridang in the Assembly, adding that leadership is ultimately bestowed by God’s grace.
T Chalukumba Ao, contesting for the fourth time, maintained that an opposition-less government is unhealthy for democracy. “The world is changing but we are not changing,” he remarked.
He commended the Khensa Senso Mungdang for maintaining neutrality and conducting a free and fair platform, describing the “mass declaration as a model that could be replicated across Nagaland.”
Ao stated that the bye-election would influence the direction of governance and urged voters to “let the sacred ballot decide.”
I Abenjang called for political revival and restoration of hope in Koridang. He lauded the programme as a platform for promoting “free, fair and clean election.”
“As a legislator, I will remain with the people,” he said, adding that progress can only be achieved with the collective support and counsel of the people. He assured equitable distribution of development benefits across all villages, irrespective of location.
Highlighting his party’s principles, Abenjang stated that the NPP is a tribal-based and secular party committed to empowering youth and women, while working for the upliftment of the downtrodden and underprivileged.
Imchatoba Imchen said he is contesting to address the constituency’s challenges. He highlighted youth empowerment as a key concern, noting around 1,300 youths in the 15–35 age group, and pointed to limited progress in women’s empowerment beyond self-help groups.
He added that while government schemes exist, implementation is lacking. Empowering youth, he said, would transform mindsets and strengthen the local economy, helping Koridang keep pace with other constituencies.
Imchen further highlighted the constituency’s agricultural potential. Describing Koridang as a “nationalist constituency” with a rich legacy in the Naga political movement, he said he aims to uphold its integrity and contribute meaningfully to governance. He revealed that he declined ticket offers from both the BJP and Congress to contest independently.
Major (Retd) Toshikaba said he entered electoral politics after 15 years in the military, driven by a desire to serve the people. Recalling his narrow loss in the previous election by 410 votes, he expressed confidence in his renewed bid.
Though contesting as an independent, he said he would be able to work with the ruling establishment if elected. He plans to use his first year’s LADP funds for youth empowerment, including 200 scooters, and the second year for women’s empowerment. He also proposed making Koridang a livestock hub for Mokokchung district within 5–8 years and establishing a defence academy in the constituency. On infrastructure, he stressed the need to repair NH 702A (Mariani Road), calling it the lifeline of the Ao community and key to boosting domestic tourism.
Toshikaba further announced plans for a hydroelectric project, a futsal ground, and a cold storage facility in Longkhum. Emphasising the Naga political issue, he said peace and development depend on its resolution, and urged voters to choose leaders with vision over wealth.
Imtiwapang Kichu centered his campaign on the theme “Change begins with us,” calling for unity and a shift in mindset.
Expressing concern over the weakening social fabric, he said restoring it would be a priority. Drawing from the national vision of “Viksit Bharat,” he called for a parallel focus on “Viksit Koridang” rooted in grassroots development. Though he has no formal political affiliations, he said he is open to working with any party to bring opportunities to the constituency.
Describing Koridang as a regional constituency, Kichu said he understands its context and would act accordingly. Urging voters to make informed choices, he emphasised that meaningful change must begin collectively.
The bye-election for the 28 Koridang AC is scheduled to be held on April 9.
