Kohima: Naga People’s Front swept back to power in Nagaland on Thursday to form the government for the third consecutive time winning absolute majority by securing 37 of the total 59 seats.
The state party bettered its tally in the 12th Nagaland assembly by 11 seats against 26 it won last time. It had contested in all the seats.
Congress’ electoral luck deserted it as the party could win only eight seats compared to the 18 it won last time.
NPF allies JD(U) and BJP won a seat each. NCP contested in 15 but won in four seats, while RJD failed to open its account though it entered the fray in two constituencies.
Independents won 8 seats. Elections were held in 59 of the total 60 seats following the death of Teunsang sadar Congress candidate P Chuba Chang a day before the February 23 polls.
NPF heavyweights who were re-elected today included Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who won his Northern Angami seat by a convincing 12671 margin of votes for the sixth consecutive time defeating his Congress rival Kevise Sogotsu.
Former Nagaland Home Minister and NPF candidate Imkong L Impchen, who resigned following his arrest for allegedly carrying over Rs one crore in cash, arms and ammunition besides liquor in his vehicle ahead of the assembly polls, defeats independent candidate T Chalukumba Ao by 5735 votes.
Congress candidate for the seat Moatemjen forfeited his deposit after winning just 98 votes.
Lok Sabha MP CM Chang, who contested from Noksen was another prominent winner for the NPF.
Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie won Western Angami seat for the third time defeating his Congress rival Asu Keyho by 1000 votes. Among those of the NPF who got a drubbing were Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi in Ghaspani-I, Minister for Forest M.C.Konyak in Wakching, Education Minister Nyiewang Konyak in Aboi and Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD Torechu in Pungro Kiphire.
Congress winners included PCC chief S I Jamir and Leader of the Opposition Tokheho Yepthomi in Dimapur II and Dimapur III seats.
None of the two women candidates could make it to the house this time too.
Nagaland, where the first elections were held in 1964, has not seen any women representative in the House as of date.
NPFLP to elect Rio
as leader
Nagaland Peoples Front Legislature Party (NPFLP), which swept back to power in assembly polls, will elect chief minister Neiphiu Rio as its leader and along with alliance partners BJP and JD(U) approach Governor Nikhil Kumar on Friday to form the next government in the state.
Rio, who would be the chief minister for the third consecutive term, addressing a press conference at the NPF central office here this evening thanking the people of the state for reposing the faith in NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN).
“The mandate given by the people is a vote for peace, development and stability,” he said adding the people had given their verdict trusting the collective leadership of NPF and it proved that the party is here to stay.
Rio said the Naga political issue had topped the NPF agenda and assured that the party would continue to work as a facilitator and work to bring an honourable and acceptable solution to the problem.
Rio said NPF would give emphasis on youth and women empowerment as well as development of road and other infrastructure, he said.
Asked if NPF would continue its pre-poll alliance with BJP and JD(U), which had only won one seat each, he answered in the affirmative.
“NPF will continue to uphold the alliance spirit and will not hesitate to give them (BJP and JD(U)) berths in the cabinet”, he added.
To questions on alliance with independents and NCP who made it to the assembly on Thursday, he said “we are willing to accept like-minded people in the treasury bench.” (PTI)