Kohima, April 7 Congress leaders on Tuesday emphasized the need for an opposition presence in the Nagaland Assembly as they appealed to the people to vote for the party in the by-election to the Koridang constituency.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here, MP & AICC in-charge for Nagaland Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, alleged governance failures, lack of accountability, and political neglect under the ruling alliance in the state, while appealing for support for Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao.
Ulaka condemned the recent incidents of violence linked to electioneering in the Longkhum village of the constituency, stating that "there is no place for violence in a healthy democracy."
He urged the district administration, village councils, and civil society bodies to ensure that the by-election is conducted without inducements, intimidation, or coercion.
Stating that the party's central leadership and star campaigners have already toured the constituency, he claimed to have received an "overwhelming response" from voters while citing the 2024 Lok Sabha poll win by Congress candidate S Supongmeren Jamir.
Framing the by-election as politically significant beyond a single seat, Ulaka highlighted what he described as the absence of an effective opposition in the state.
He said that even if the Congress wins one seat, it would not threaten the government's majority but would introduce "checks and balances" in governance.
Drawing a parallel with the role of opposition at the national level, he cited Rahul Gandhi as an example of how opposition voices can raise national issues and hold governments accountable.
Ulaka accused both the state government and the Centre of "passing the buck" over the implementation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement, demanding clear timelines and immediate legislative action.
He also termed the delay in the Foothill Road project (Trans National Highway) a matter of public hardship, urging Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to intervene and resolve the impasse between authorities and the coordination committee.
Highlighting rural employment issues, Ulaka said Nagaland reportedly has one of the lowest wage rates under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, and alleged that funding constraints and pending liabilities are weakening the scheme nationwide.
Responding to queries, Ulaka expressed confidence that the Congress candidate could win the seat, citing previous electoral performance and what he described as growing dissatisfaction among voters.
"A vote for our candidate is not just for one MLA, it is a vote for restoring opposition voice, ensuring accountability, and strengthening democracy," Ulaka said, appealing to voters to support the party in the upcoming poll.
The bypoll was necessitated following the death of BJP's Imkong L Imchen, a five-time MLA, on November 11 at the age of 75.
The party has fielded his son as the ruling coalition's candidate. NPP has nominated I Abenjang, and three Independents are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, Toshikaba.
Polling for the Koridang byelection will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
