Nagaland will go to polls shortly. The stakes are high. It will no longer be a cake walk for the Naga People’s Front after 15 years in power.
The Naga solution, clean election, unemployment, district demands, roads and electricity are some of the important issues raised by the people.
The question is, as we have seen in previous elections, will people vote on the lines of tribe, village, clan or will the voters, especially the youth will look to elect able leaders.
Party politics has not played a major role in previous elections but will it matter this time?
Let us look at the political parties who will fight it out this time:
Naga People’s Front:
After Neiphiu Rio has left for the Lok Sabha we have seen a shaky NPF led government. Rio and NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie may cozy up before the elections. In that case, Chief Minister TR Zeliang may look at joining some other political party where he has a chance to be projected as a CM candidate.
BJP:
Full of confidence after Union home minister-of-state Kiren Rijiju was brought in as Nagaland state in-charge, the BJP is looking at increasing its seat tally. BJP is looking at playing a major role in Government formation and may even become ‘kingmaker’.
Congress:
The Congress has lost its shine in Nagaland but it will try to make full use of the anti-incumbency and failures of the DAN government. Rahul Gandhi is expected to campaign hard in the state and raise issues like ‘hinduvita’ and corruption.
Nagaland Democratic People’s Party (NDPP):
NDPP looks like an ‘underdog’ but can spring up surprises. Thought by many to be a ‘brainchild’ of Neiphiu Rio, this party may look at offering tickets to winnable candidates whom NPF cannot accommodate. In the event of a fractured mandate, NDPP may be required for government formation.
National People’s Party (NPP):
Conrad Sangma led NPP may form the next government in Meghalaya but in Nagaland it will be happy with a few seats up its kitty.
Aam Admi Party (AAP):
AAP Nagaland was installed earlier than NDPP and NPP but the party could not capitalize and set up a strong network in the state. The party will voice out corruption related issues of the ruling government.
(Nagas Connect News)