Nagaland got statehood in 1963. Despite witnessing 13 assembly elections, the state has not got a woman legislator till date. If we look at the population of Nagaland 49.79% are women. But looking at the percentage of candidates who are ready to contest in the elections, only 6.67% are women. In 2018, five women sought the mandate but failed. Awan Konyak (NDPP), Rakhila (BJP), Wedi-U Cronu (NPP), Rekha Rose Dukru (Independent) and Dr K Mangyangpula Chang (NPP) contested but lost.
This time also four women candidates have come forward to intensify the competition. NDPP (Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party), BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and INC (Indian National Congress) have fielded four women candidates. The candidates are Salhautuonuo Cruz, Rosie Thompson, Kahuli Sema and Hekani Jakhalu. Along with 179 men (except one who won unopposed) they are electoral newcomers seeking a verdict.
∙ Salhautuonuo Cruz (NDPP)
Salhautuonuo, who has been active in various NGOs for 24 years, seeks judgment from 8 Western Angami. The incumbent MLA Kenishakho Nakhro (IND) is the opponent. Salhautuonuo is the wife of late NDPP leader KVishekho Cruz. In 2018, KVishekho contested from the same seat.
Salhautuonuo promises empowerment of youth and women, skill development, employment, security, improvement of quality of life, creation of model constituency, equal infrastructure development and representation of urban and rural areas. She also says that if she comes to power, she will implement the plans and goals dreamed by her husband.
∙ Hekani Jakhalu (NDPP)
Hekani Jakhalu believes that youth are the greatest wealth and has been working for their advancement for 17 years. If Nagaland wants to progress we need to empower our youth. Hekani believes that if the youth can stand on their own feet and become independent, their dreams will come true.
Hekani also aims at upliftment of minorities and women empowerment. Hekani’s manifesto also calls for improving education, health care and infrastructure for all children. Hekani is seeking constituency from Dimapur 3.
∙ Kahuli Sema (BJP)
Kahuli Seema is the only woman candidate of BJP. Kahuli is the first woman Chief Engineer of the Sumi community and the second of the Naga community. The 57-year-old, who is contesting in 32 Atoise constituency, is facing NCP leader Er Picto Shohe.
Retired after 34 years of government service, Kahuli entered politics after wanting to bring change to the people. Kahuli said that women’s empowerment should also extend to the political sphere, suggesting that women candidates should be supported regardless of politics.
∙ Rosie Thompson (Congress)
Senior Congress worker Rosie Thompson (58) is contesting from 6-tenning. Rosi is the only woman candidate among the 23 candidates contesting the Nagaland assembly elections on a Congress ticket. Namri Nchang (NCP), Tare Siliang (NDPP), Sand Domta (MPP), Dr. Rosy’s opponents are prominent leaders Tumda Nyume (IND) and Henry Siliang (NPF).
Rossi joined the Congress in the late 1980s while still a college student. Rossi said that he wanted to compete earlier, but time and financial constraints did not allow him. The main objective is women empowerment. In many states, including Meghalaya and Manipur, women are holding crucial departments. But in Nagaland there is no consideration for women. Rosie Thompson said that all women voters should support women candidates and vote for the upliftment of women.
After four decades of waiting, Nagaland got a woman Rajya Sabha MP in 2022. S, Phangnon Cognac achieved that historic feat. In 1977 Rano M. Konyak is the second woman MP in the state after Shaisa (Lok Sabha). It will be known on March 2 whether the Nagaland assembly will also witness the historic moment this time.
English Summary: Election 2023: Is Nagaland ready to elect its first woman MLA?