The opposition Naga People’s Front suffered a split with seven of its 26 MLAs defying the party line to support the candidates of the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) for the lone Lok Sabha and the Aonglenden Assembly seat (bypoll). The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the BJP are major partners of the PDA. “The seven legislators in a signed joint statement declared their support for the PDA government and praised its progressive initiatives carried out till date,” a PDA spokesperson said.
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On Tuesday, the NPF issued a notice to the seven MLAs seeking explanation for “hobnobbing” with their political opponents. The seven have been to reply within seven days.
Four candidates each had filed nominations for the two seats with NPF deciding to lend “issue-based” support to Congress candidate K.L. Chishi. The PDA had fielded Tokheho Yepthomi from NDPP.
The National People’s Party (NPP) had fielded Hayithung Tungoe while the Indian Christian Secular Party had fielded M.M. Thromwa Konyak.
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For the Aonglenden Assembly seat, PDA consensus candidate Sharingain Longkumer would fight against Toshipokba of NPF, Tinujungshi Longkumer of NPP and Alemjongshi Longkumer, an Independent.