Kohima: The 12th Nagaland Assembly election has seen return of many prominent leaders of political parties and defeat of big stalwarts, which was never imagined by any one.
Prominent winners of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) include Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, former Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Health and Family Welfare Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu, Assembly Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, Planning and Co-ordination Minister T R Zeliang and lone Lok Sabha MP, C M Chang.
From Congress, prominent winners are CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi, NPCC President S I Jamir and C Apok Jamir, son of former Nagaland Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor S C Jamir. NPF heavyweights who lost in the poll race include 5 former Ministers School Education Minister Nyeiwang Konyak, Forest and Excise Minister M C Konyak, Power Minister Doshehe Sema, PHED Minister Dr Ngangshi and Agriculture Minister Chumben Murry and Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi.
In the Congress camp, senior leaders, who were axed, include former chief minister K L Chishi and former CLP leader I Imkong, former NPCC President K V Pusa, former Lok Sabha MP, Wangyuh Konyak and former Finance Minister K Therie.
State NCP president Neiba Ndang lost to rival NPF candidate Namri Nchang.
N Jacob Zhimomi Independent candidate, bagged highest number of votes 26,287 in Ghaspani A/C in Dimapur district, while B Pongsak, Independent candidate of Tamlu A/C in Longleng district, got 17 votes.
Youngest among the winners is NPF candidate Merentoshi R Jamir (32) who won the Mongoya A/C under Mokokchung district followed by Independent candidate N Jacob Zhimomi (33) from Ghaspani-I A/C under Dimapur district and NCP candidate of Bhandari A/C Mmhonlumo Kikon (35) years.
Polling in Tuensang Sadar-I A/C was ‘adjourned’ by the EC following the demise of Congress candidate P. Chuba Chang and the polling is rescheduled on March 23. (UNI)
