Saffron debut likely in Christian domain

The most prominent among BJP’s line up is Hokishe Sema from Dimapur-I. There are other coalition partners in the fray but the contest is primarily between this former chief minister and the Congress. Another prospective seat is Alongtaki where the BJP and the INC are pitted in a straight fight. Here, BJP’s Tiameren seems ahead of Congressman Saku Aier.

If BJP’s entry into this Christian-dominated state is an interesting sidelight, the focus of this election is on the NPF candidate from Northern Angami-II, Neiphi-U Rio. Described as the CM-in-waiting, Rio had resigned from the S.C. Jamir Cabinet as Home Minister in September, 2002.

In an exclusive to The Indian Express, Rio said he had to quit as he had serious differences with Jamir on the Naga issue. He showed a booklet by the Nagaland PCC president that points out ‘‘the falseness of the claim that Nagas were of an independent nation since time immemorial’’. ‘‘This is an insult to Nagas,’’ he says.

If Rio is to lead from the front, the Opposition thinktank include leaders like Vizol, yet another former Nagaland CM who was summoned to Bangkok twice last year by the Isaak and Muivah factions of the NSCN.

‘‘The NPF is going to form the government,’’ he says, admitting that in theory the Opposition does not stand a chance. ‘‘My experience says the votes won’t split. Jamir is out.’’

That the Congress is on a sticky wicket becomes evident when its front- ranking leaders put the victory margin at four to five seats. ‘‘It’s going to be 32-28 or 31-29 in favour of Congress,’’ says Talilemba, the DCC general secretary at Mokokchung, Jamir’s home district. Elsewhere, too, Congress leaders predict a similar margin.