The by-election to the 26 Aonglenden Assembly constituency in Nagaland is set for a straight fight between the Congress and the PDA consensus candidate.
The two other candidates of NPF and NPP not only withdrew from the race but also announced their full backing for the ruling PDA consensus candidate from the NDPP.
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While the NPF has expelled its nominee – Toshipokba Longmuker – for a period of six years as disciplinary action, for withdrawing from the race without the consent of the party, the NPP on the other hand, has filed an FIR with Mokokchung police.
NPP sources also said the party will take further action in this regard regarding the ‘disappearance’ of the party candidate, according to reports.
The total number of electorate under 26 Aonglenden Assembly constituency is 12,269 with 6,098 male and 6,171 female voters. The April 11 by-election in the 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha election will be the second that will be contested by the ruling party (NDPP/PDA) against the Congress.
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The 2015 by-election in the constituency was also fought between the then ruling NPF/DAN against veteran Naga politician and former Governor and five time chief minister, Dr S C Jamir. Incidentally, in the 2011 by-election, Neiphiu Rio was the DAN chief minister and in the current 2019 by-election, he is also the chief minister of the PDA coalition.
The NPF candidate Toshipokba defeated Jamir in the 2011 by-election for the 26 Aonglenden Assembly constituency.
The same day, the NPF candidate Toshipokba also withdrew from the race and pledged his full support to the NDPP/PDA candidate.
There are 16 polling stations – Sangtemla Ward-I, Sangtemla Ward-II, Dilong Ward-I, Dilong Ward-II, Arkong Ward (S/Wing), Arkong (N/Wing), Ungma-I Aonglenden Block, Ungma-II Mekumpong Block, Ungma-III (N/Wing), Ungma-IV (S/Wing), Ungma-V, Ungma-VI (Mongsen Block), Ao Settsu, Kubza, Marepkong, and Aolijen.
The single phase Lok Sabha election on April 11, will be held in 2194 polling stations spread over the state, with a total electorate of 11,63,388 with 5,89,138 male and 5,74,250 female voters.