After a gap of two decades, the Indian National Congress (INC) has achieved a significant victory by winning the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland. S Supongmeren Jamir defeated the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate, Dr. Chumben Murry, with a margin of 50,984 votes.
Jamir secured a total of 401,951 votes, while Dr. Murry garnered 350,967 votes. Independent candidate Hayithung Tungoe Lotha received 6,232 votes, and the total number of NOTA (None of the Above) votes stood at 1,646. This victory is seen as a major setback for the “oppositionless” government led by the NDPP-BJP alliance, which had confidently anticipated a comfortable win with the support of all sixty elected members.
Also Read: More Lok Sabha seats: Key to Nagaland’s equitable development and progress
The citizens’ mandate in this 18th Lok Sabha election raises questions about the public’s faith in the current government, which was formed with the aim of representing the people’s voice for an early solution to their issues. Some observers believe that the outcome might have been different if the people of Eastern Nagaland had participated in the parliamentary elections.
The last time a Congress MP from Nagaland sat in the Lok Sabha was from 1998 to 2004, when K Asungba Sangtam represented the state. The Nagaland Congress had failed to win any seats in the 2018 and 2023 assembly polls, with their last successful contest in 2013, where they won eight seats. However, all eight MLAs merged with the then-ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) in 2015.
Newly elected MP S Supongmeren Jamir views this win as a turning point for the Congress party in Nagaland. He emphasised the need for hard work and justice for the people, stating that the party must go down to the grassroots, deliver confidence, and work together in the same boat. Supongmeren Jamir attributed the victory to the party’s grassroots campaigning strategies, addressing core issues, and the people’s desire for democracy in the state.
Also Read: Supongmeren Jamir: Championing Secularism and Minority Rights in Nagaland’s Lok Sabha Battle
Expressing his gratitude to the electorate, Jamir assured them that the Congress party would work for the development and interest of the people without any biases. He acknowledged that Dr. Chumben Murry was a tough contender and a noble person, but emphasised that his win was based on issues rather than personal differences.
Dr. Chumben Murry graciously congratulated Jamir on his victory, acknowledging the issue-based nature of the election. He expressed confidence that the new Member of Parliament would work for the betterment of the Nagas. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers Yanthungo Patton and TR Zeliang also extended their congratulations to Jamir on social media platform ‘X’.
Also Read: Doyang Dam Faces ecological catastrophe as plastic waste accumulates
This historic win for the Congress in Nagaland not only marks a significant political shift but also reflects the people’s desire for change and effective representation. As Supongmeren Jamir takes on his new role, all eyes will be on how the Congress party leverages this victory to regain its foothold in the state and address the aspirations of its citizens.
