Win or lose RPP is here to stay: Joel Naga

February 25, 2023 54 Views No Comment

Field only a single candidate, a blessing in disguise?

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 25

Joel Naga, President of Nagaland’s newest recognised political party, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) is contesting from Tseminyu AC as the party’s lone candidate for the Nagaland State Assembly Elections. Speaking to The Morung Express, the party head stated that the election has given his party valuable experiences for future endeavours. “We have so much work to do,” he said.

He faces incumbent MLA, R Khing from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP); Jwenga Seb from Janata Dal (United); Er Levi Rengma from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas); and Loguseng Semp from Republican Party of India (Athawale). Three of these candidates, including the RPP leader are below the age of 50. Crucially, this will also be the first election after Tseminyu became Nagaland’s 13th district back in 2021.

“There is a strong anti-incumbency wave here,” stated Joel. “This was due to the fact that developmental aspects have long been neglected here and the people want change,” he added.

As to why RPP had managed to field only a lone candidate in its election debut, he revealed that lack of financial resources, response from candidates and party ideology had reduced their chances significantly.

There are a total of 184 candidates vying for the 60 legislative seats in Nagaland. “None of the intending candidates approached us because if you look at profile of all the candidates most of them were serious about winning,” he said.

Right since its inception the RPP declared that it would not be aligning with any other political party. So that decision prevented the other candidates from approaching us for party ticket, he observed. He further adding, “Our ideology is paramount and we are not a B-team of any political party.” Nevertheless, for Joel and the party they regarded it was a blessing in disguise.

“So yes, we could have done a social and political experiment by fielding several candidates but it would have turned us into a laughing stock if we did not win in any of the constituencies,” he said.

As for the progress in his election campaign, the RPP leader stated that starting from scratch to building a significant support base has given him confidence of winning. “So far I am confident about my position,” he commented.

During that time the RPP had been busy touring across 39 villages in Tseminyu. The underlying issue he observed was that none of these villages were connected to the main highway by black topped roads. “The voters here want good development to be brought to their villages and I believe that we should give them what they deserve,” he said. Other aspects of development included medical facilities, schools and water supply system as well.

In addition to these, Joel also remarked the valuable role that social media, as a tool, has played in boosting the party’s visibility with the people. As a fledgling political party, the RPP has gained a significant foothold over the people thanks to sites such as YouTube and Facebook, he asserted.

Win or lose, the RPP will continue with its crusade against corruption and fight for a better Nagaland. “The party is here to stay,” he declared.