Echoes from Nagaland CM Rio's backyards -- "BJP needs a candidate"

The development will perhaps even force NPF chief Shurhozelie to revisit his election war room. 

2014 by-polls; BJP polled 40% -- 6,864 votes 

 

New Delhi/Kohima

The so-called hard-earned 20:40 formula between BJP and NDPP might have made some political leaders go crazy. But Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has some resistance to handle with in his own backyards.

The moral of the lesson is its not only a section of media - including this journo -
pushing the anti-Rio or anti-NDPP-BJP ballgame.

BJP's Northern Angami II Mandal -- that is the local unit - has urged the state president Temjen Imna Along to consider putting up a suitable candidate against the Chief Minister.

Sources say even a section of BJP high command is aware of the development and a few senior leaders (perhaps not including Nalin Kohli) may get in touch with the state leadership for a proper feedback.

'Nagaland Page' Link

Imna is not only a Minister in the Rio cabinet; his pro-NDPP tilt had for last few months forced a section of keen party workers and ex-office bearers demand his replacement. The high command has pressed 'go with caution' button and there is delay in the final decision. 

Whether Himanta-Rio friendship is coming into play is anybody's guess as of now.
But BJP's Northern Angami II local unit says "....We are afraid the BJP of Northern Angami II will have no reason to 
continue or cease to exist as we will not foresee or experience any holistic development which is the hall mark of the
BJP".

The signatories to the letter (dated Nov 2) - Kechangulie (President), Neitseizolie (Gen Secy), Kevilhelie (vice presient)

and three others also say that the party should therefore field a candidate in the assembly constituency.

The Northern Angami II in Kohima district and near the state capital has been Rio's fiefdom

since 1989 when he won the seat on Congress ticket.

The letter points out that in 2018 assembly polls too, Late Visasolie Lhoungu wanted to contest the polls

but he had to forego after Ram Madhav-inspired settled seat adjustments had settled the battle in favour

of Neiphiu Rio.

The BJP sources say the Mandal workers' formal request in writing to put up a candidate against giant (sitting CM)

is not a small thing from the Lotus party's perspective. "It is not the issue of state unit president or who is 

Nagaland in-charge. The Mandal committee's recommendation is always respected and hence Rio will have to do some ground work," a source told 'Nagaland Page'.

Sources further said if this has happened in a strong Tenyimia seat, in many constituencies across Nagaland now there will be similar pressure tactics by hundreds of BJP karyakartas. 

The July 26 misadventure inked by Nalin Kohli on behalf of the saffron party may get challenged now on ground zero. Whether Himanta friendship (or lobbying) continues or not, the Nagaland BJP workers know this is their best time to strike.

Blogger and a senior colleague: Myanmar border/Nagaland

In 2013, the BJP did not have any candidate in Northern Angami II. Rio had won the seat comfortably defeating 

the Congress rival Kevise Sogotsu, who had polled 2,634 votes as against 15,305 by Rio (as NPF candidate).

But in the by-election in 2014 after Rio moved to Delhi as Lok Sabha MP; Visasolie Lhoungu had fought

on BJP ticket against Rio's son-in-law Neiphrezo Keditsu, who had polled 9,909 votes.

But creditably for BJP, the saffron party nominee had bagged 6,864 votes making it a substantial 40.92 percent

of total votes polled.

This was highly encouraging for the alleged "pro-Hindu BJP" as Tenyimia belt is otherwise a political home

of combo -- staunch regionalism and very strong pro-Christian inclination. 

Of course, Visasolie is no longer around; but the Mandal Committee's recommendation suggests things

are cooking up.

Of course, it is possible a section of 'Central Nagaland' political lobby could be at work. But things are turning

interesting.

A political giant like Rio possibly will win again and will do so comfortably; but the sail may not be as smooth

as was in 2018 -- the so-called 'uncontested' affair.

"...to keep the undying spirit of patriotism and conviction alive, we see it befitting to nominate a candidate

to represent us in the forthcoming general elections," says the letter from the office bearers BJP Northern Angami

II assembly segment.

The development will perhaps even force NPF chief Shurhozelie to revisit his election war room. 

ends