253 candidates file nominations to ensure Nagaland assembly polls
Kohima, Feb 7 (IBNS): Despite calling for election boycott by the Naga outfit groups, 253 candidates of different political parties and independents have filed their nominations to ensure that the Nagaland assembly polls be held on Feb 27.
Wednesday was the last day for filing nominations. A total of 231 candidates of different parties and independents have filed their nominations.
On Tuesday, only 22 candidates have filed nominations for only 17 seats out of total 60 assembly constituencies.
According to the reports, 51 from Naga People’s Front (NPF), 20 of BJP, 18 of Congress, 34 of National Democratic Political Party (NDPP), 13 of JD (U), 14 of NDPP (S), 13 of NPF (S), 24 of National People's Party (NPP), 4 of NPP (S), 3 of AAP, 2 of LJP, 4 of NCP and 17 Independent candidates filed their nominations.
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has filed his nomination papers from the 7 Peren constituency, while former CM and present Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio filed his nomination from 11 Northern Angami-II constituency.
The first nomination was filed by ruling NPF candidate and state home minister Kuzholuzo Nienu on Tuesday from the 19 Phek constituency in Phek district.
Uncertainty loomed large over the Nagaland assembly polls after 11 political parties, including both national and regional signed a joint declaration not to take part in election till the Naga political problem is resolved.
But BJP had refused the joint declaration and had announced to take part in the election process. Later the ruling NPF and Congress also declared same.
Ending up its 15-year tie with the NPF in Nagaland, the BJP had forged alliance with the newly formed NDPP led by Neiphiu Rio and also decided on seat sharing.
On the other hand, the Congress may reach out to NPF for an informal understanding in some seats.
Recently, NSCN (IM) warned the political parties that, the outfit group will take stern act against those who have been found defying the decision of the Naga people.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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