All 60 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Nagaland have rallied behind the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate, Dr Chumben Murry, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on April 19.
The support for Dr Murry, who will contest on an NDPP ticket, marks a rare occurrence in the state's political landscape.
Alongside his own NDPP party, Dr Murry enjoys backing from a spectrum of political entities including the BJP, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), National People’s Party (NPP), Janata Dal (United), Republican Party of India (Athawale), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).
However, despite this formidable show of solidarity, potential complications could arise from local issues such as the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) demand put forward by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).
This unresolved matter might pose challenges to Dr Murry's candidacy.
While the electoral arena promises to be multi-faceted, with Independent candidate Hayithung Tungoe Lotha and Nagaland Congress president S Supongmeren Jamir also in the fray, Dr Murry's endorsement by all 60 MLAs gives him a considerable advantage over his opponents.
The NDPP-BJP alliance has a pre-poll understanding, with a seat-sharing ratio of 40:20 in the state assembly and representation in both the Upper and Lower houses of Parliament.
The incumbent Rajya Sabha MP, Phangnon Konyak, hails from the BJP, while the current Lok Sabha MP, Tokheho Yepthomi, represents the NDPP.
This coalition secured a resounding victory during the 2023 state assembly elections, securing an absolute majority with 37 seats (NDPP-25, BJP-12).
Following the formation of the second PDA government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of the NDPP, smaller parties gradually extended their support, resulting in an opposition-less assembly.
Beyond the ruling NDPP and BJP, the state assembly currently comprises seven NCP, five NPP, two NPF, two RPI (A), two LJP (RV), one JD (U), and four Independent MLAs.
However, discontent looms over unresolved local issues, particularly the FNT matter advocated by the ENPO.
Since February 23, the ENPO has abstained from participating in any central or state elections, amplifying concerns regarding its influence over 20 assembly seats.
The broader political landscape is also impacted by the BJP-led NDA government's policies, including the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and the Uniform Civil Code, which have drawn scrutiny and discontent among the local populace.
The looming electoral contest reflects deeper socio-political dynamics, with divergent views on the BJP's ideological stance.
Some express apprehension over the BJP-RSS influence and the imposition of Hindutva ideology, which they perceive as a threat to the country's secular fabric.
Political observers note that the ENPO's decision to boycott the elections could significantly impact the electoral outcome, particularly in constituencies where local issues hold sway.
This presents a challenge for the NDPP, as central policies affecting regional concerns are likely to influence voter sentiments.
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