Neiphiu Rio grabs maximum votes, NCP candidate the least

Kohima, Mar 09 (UNI) Former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF)-led DAN ministry was the only prominent figure among the 57 candidates, who won the just concluded Assembly elections by the largest margin of votes.

Mr Rio won from Northern Angami-II constituency defeating rival Congress candidate Sevotso by a margin of 10,761 votes.

Apart from Mr Rio, the other heavyweights included former Chief Minister and Congress candidate K L Chisi, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader I Imkong, former Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie of NPF along with NPF president Shurhozelie and S I Jamir of Congress.

Former labour and employment minister Hewoto and T R Zeliang, sitting Rajya Sabha member were also few among known figures.

However, among the prominent losers in the March five polls were NPF candidate Khekiho Zhimomi, Home Minister of the outgoing DAN ministry Thenucho from Chazouba in Phek district and former industry minister from Ghaspani-I constituency. He was defeated by Congress candidate Hewoto Awomi.

Former Health and Family Welfare Minister T M Lotha lost to NCP's Chunben Murry in Wokha, former Transport Minister Imtilemba Sangtam was defeated by Congress nominee S K Sangtam in Longkhim-Chare in Tuensang district and former PHE minister in DAN ministry Z Obed, who contested this time on Congress ticket lost to NPF newcomer Neikiesalie from Kohima Town.

Former Power Minister Tiameren of Congress lost to NPF's Sakusangba in Alongtaki, former Speaker and Congress candidate E T Ezung was defeated by NPF nominee Wochumo Kithan.

Former DAN finance Minister K Therie, who contested on a Congress ticket, lost to NPF's Neibakronu in Pfutsero constituency in Phek district.

Of the total 218 candidates, eight of them failed to even reach to a three-figure mark.

As per the results, NCP candidate Ushou, who contested from Thonoknyu got only nine votes and his rival UNDP candidate T K Meyo managed double that number.

JD(S) candidate Zutsepa Katiry from Meluri constituency polled 36 votes, whereas BJP nominee in Tuensang Sadar-II Wangto got 42.

APP's Throwna from Tehok constituency pocketed only 81 votes and BJP candidate Takusungba, who contested from Mongoya, polled 85 votes sharing the figure with Sabu Sote in Kohima Town.

NCP candidate in Alongtaki Imlitemsu polled only 91 votes.

UNI PB PP RN1459