Dimapur, Feb 12: A total of 183 candidates are in the fray for the forthcoming Nagaland assembly polls, slated to be held on February 27.

The major political parties contesting for the upcoming assembly polls have started campaigning in the state. Poll fever had gripped the entire state, as party flags, banners and posters of the candidates are displayed everywhere.

On the other hand, BJP candidate Kazheto Kinimi was declared winner uncontested from the Akuluto constituency in Zunheboto district after his only opponent from Congress N.
Khekashe Sumi withdrew his candidature on the last day of withdrawal of nominations on February 10.

A total of 13 political parties are contesting the polls for the 60-member Nagaland assembly.

Speaking to media persons, Nagaland chief electoral officer (CEO) V Shashank Shekhar said 200 nominations, out of 225, were found valid after scrutiny on February 8.

The CEO also informed that 16 candidates withdrew their nominations on the last day of withdrawal on February 10.

“There are 13,17,632 electorates in the state, out of which 661489 are males and 656143 are females. Out of a total of 2,351 polling stations set up for polling, Merapani polling station no. 71 under Bhandari assembly constituency in Wokha district has the lowest number of 37 electors while Usutomi polling station no. 12 under Atoizu constituency in Zuhebtot district has the highest number of 1348 voters,” he informed.

Shankar said has BJP fielded 20 candidates for the upcoming elections, CPI 1, INC 23, NCP 12, NPP 12, NDPP 40, NPF 22, RPP 1, JDU 7, LJP (Ram Vilas) 15, RPI (Athawale) 9, RJD 3 and Independents 19.

Meanwhile, central security forces have already arrived in Nagaland for the assembly polls for peaceful polls.

The ECI has already taken all precautionary measures for peaceful polls in Nagaland.