NPP Nagaland Working President and Kohima town MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso after distributing the party tickets to the candidates in Kohima on June 10. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | June 10
The National People's Party (NPP) in Kohima has handed over party ticket to 11 candidates to contest in the upcoming ULB elections in Kohima today.
NPP Nagaland Working President and Kohima town MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso after distributing the certificates to the candidates at his residence today expressed that the party's paramount prerogative for political participation is to promote peace and development of the society rather than to seek power and position. Rhütso therefore said that inspite of fighting against parties, whoever win will work with the leaders for our people while exuding hope that the candidates will emerge victorious in the upcoming election.
Rhütso further expressed optimism over the positive response of women in politics despite the reservation quota.
He said although the people have elected him to represent the people in Kohima town, he is yet to get a portfolio in the government.
He commented that this ULB is a semifinal for him as the result of the candidates contesting on NPP ticket during this ensuing election will determine his position for the next general elections in 2028 which he said would be the 'finals' for him.
Calling to strengthen National People's party in the state, he underscored that the NPP is a national party with its presence in northeastern states. Apart from fielding candidates in Kohima, the MLA informed that other districts like Wokha ,Chümoukedima, Dimapur and Pfutsero were issuing NPP party tickets.
He said, in the state where Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is leading the government, he expressed gratefulness for including NPP in the opposition-less government.
Rhütso also said this ULB election was a friendly contest and asked people not to have the mindset for fighting for power and dominance but an initiation of peace keeping in mind that people from all walks of life and community live here in Nagaland.
“If the public give their blessings to us, we will go for development, not for power and position,” he opined.
Rhütso asked them not to lose patience and belittle themselves in this electioneering process thinking that other candidates have majority party backing or backed by power. He assured to support the candidates for the welfare of the people.
Today, if our candidates win, we will work together towards the development and planning of the town.
While the Nagaland Municipal Act was amended in 2023, he informed that sections for land and property and immovable assets were removed. Rhütso said in this regard, after the election, there might be tax collection but those tax collected will be utilized for overall development of towns while calling the people to support the move.
While, the party has issued tickets to candidates from eastern Nagaland, the MLA clarified that it is doing so keeping in mind that the capital is created for people from every tribe and has no objection from any quarter.
The tickets were given to 6 female candidates and 5 male candidates including Mecieno Swu from 4 Nagabazar, Kekhrieletuo Belho for Ward 6 D Block, Alebu Sanchu (12 Upper Chandmari), Thejanuo Whourie (13 Lower Chandmari), Vizokhoto George Kirha of 14 Potterlane, Old Minister hill, Ane-u Khaming of Ward 16- Lerie, Lerie Chazou, New Reserve and New Minister Hill, P Kezo of Ward 17- Agri, Agri Farm, Forest, Electrical, Sonuo Yanger of Ward 18 Para Medical and Lower Agri colony, Medoviu Martin Suohu for Ward 19 Pr Hill, jail colony and supply colony, Kekhrienyituo Sekhose of the Ward 3 North Block and Leanne Kiewhuo for Ward 7 Daklane.
