Congress Fields S. Supongmeren Jamir From Nagaland Constituency (image-X/INCNagaland)The Indian National Congress (INC) has nominated S. Supongmeren Jamir as their candidate contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the tribal Christian-dominated Nagaland seat.
Famous for its tourist spots, the state faces several challenges, such as frequent power outages, inadequate healthcare facilities, and unemployment. Unresolved matters brewing over the state include the Naga Peace Accord, territorial claims over certain areas by neighbouring states, and demands for a separate flag and a constitution.
Supongmeren Jamir had contested the Nagaland Assembly polls in 2003 on a Congress ticket from Mokokchung district’s Mongoya constituency, where he won. However, his later attempts in 2008, 2018, and 2023 led to failure. Supongmeren Jamir currently serves as the president of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee. Previously, he served as a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The Nagaland Congress stated that it will ensure that Supongmeren Jamir’s candidature receives its full support. The NPCC congratulated the Congress candidate for his well-deserved recognition and praised him for accepting the challenge and showing his leadership skills.
Congress candidates such as Chingwang Konyak in 1984, Shikiho Sema in 1989, Imchalemba in 1996, and K. Asungba Sangtam in 1998 and 1999 have secured the Nagaland Lok Sabha seat. Yet there are other major and regional party players, such as the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), that wield significant influence over the seat compared to national parties.
The Nagaland Lok Sabha constituency, with over 60 assembly segments, covers the entirety of the state of Nagaland. In 1967, the year of its first general election, MP Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir was elected unopposed on the Nagaland Nationalist Organisation ticket.