Sparks flying between NDPP and BJP in DMC Ward-22

June 24, 2024 7 Views No Comment

NDPP candidate accuses rival BJP supporters of resorting to intimidating tactics

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 24

The seat-sharing arrangement between the NDPP and BJP has not trickled down to the Urban Local Bodies elections. As opposed to the projected bonhomie in the Assembly, sparks are flying down at the Municipal level as the two electoral allies have fielded candidates in opposition to the other at a ward in the Dimapur Municipal Council.

The NDPP candidate from the reserved DMC Ward-22, Orenponi Humtsoe, accused the BJP of resorting to tactics that reportedly had prospective voters insecure. Humtsoe told the media on June 23 that supporters of the rival BJP candidate, Kivikali H Chishi, have started creating problems in the ward. She claimed that a group of BJP supporters interrupted a meeting in Rainbow colony on June 22. It was said to have happened at around 7:30 pm.

The alleged BJP supporters came in a motorcade of around 30-40 vehicles and repeatedly passed by the meeting venue blaring horns and raising slogans.

While stating that the youths were not of Ward-22, she held that the act intimidated her supporters, “who are now apprehensive of coming out to vote.”

According to her, the rival BJP supporters began creating nuisance in the colony since the distribution of voter information slips began in the colony on June 21. She replied in the negative if she has lodged a formal complaint with the election authority.

While stating that it was supposed to be a “friendly contest,” on account of the NDPP-BJP alliance, she said, “I don’t understand, I can’t explain their (BJP) action.”

Earlier, at a BJP ticket distribution event on June 10, Nagaland PHED Minister, N Jacob Zhimomi, had told the media that there was no ambiguity on the seat-sharing between the NDPP and BJP. He asserted that the BJP will contest in ULB seats that fall under Assembly Constituencies held by the BJP and NDPP in seats held by the NDPP.

Humtsoe further accused the Gaonbura of the neighbouring Niu colony of supporting the BJP candidate. Ward-22 comprises of Kevichusa, Veterinary, Niu and Rainbow colonies.

Her chief election agent, Ruth Pochury, claimed that campaigning was going on peacefully before the rival BJP camp started creating nuisance since the past 2-3 days.