Kohima: Despite called for election boycott by the Naga outfits groups, 253 candidates of different political parties and independents had filed their nominations to ensure the Nagaland assembly polls to be held on February 27 next.
On Wednesday, last day for filing nominations, a total of 231 candidates of different parties and independents had filed their nominations.
On Tuesday, only 22 candidates had filed nominations for only 17 seats out of to total 60 assembly constituencies.
According to the reports, 51 from Naga People’s Front (NPF), 20 of BJP, 18 of Congress, 34 of National Democratic Political Party (NDPP), 13 of JD (U), 14 of NDPP (S), 13 of NPF (S), 24 of National People's Party (NPP), 4 of NPP (S), 3 of AAP, 2 of LJP, 4 of NCP, 17 Independent candidates filed their nominations.
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang had filed his nomination papers from the 7 Peren constituency, while former CM and present Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio filing his nomination from 11 Northern Angami-II constituency.
A top official of Nagaland CEO office said that, 212 candidates had filed nomination in last day for filing nominations.
The first nomination was filed by ruling NPF candidate and state home minister Kuzholuzo Nienu on Tuesday from the 19 Phek constituency in Phek district.
Uncertainty loomed large over the Nagaland assembly polls after 11 political parties, including both national and regional signed a joint declaration not to take part in election till the Naga political problem is resolved.
But BJP had refused the joint declaration and announced to take part in the election process and later ruling NPF and Congress also declared same.
Ended up its 15-year tie with the NPF in Nagaland BJP had forged alliance with the newly formed NDPP led by Neiphiu Rio and also decided seat sharing.
On the other hand, Congress may reach out to NPF for an informal understanding in some seats.
Recently, NSCN (IM) warned the political parties that, the outfit group will take stern act against the people those have been found defying the decision of the Naga people.
On the other, supporters of Neiphiu Rio had allegedly blockade road in Northern Angami-II constituency and trying to stop NPF candidate not to file nomination in the constituency, but later security forces had cleared the road.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
