The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Dautshir E Imchen won the by-election to Kuredang constituency in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district on Monday, bagging 7,317 votes out of a total of 18,400 votes to defeat five rivals in a closely watched contest.
The 35-year-old, who is set to become the youngest member of the current 60-member state assembly, is vying for the poll seat vacated after the death of his father and sitting MLA Imkong L Imchen in November 2025.
“I am grateful to God and the people of Koridang AC for this victory, and for extending the same support they gave to my father, who has been representing the constituency since 2003. I accept it with the utmost humility,” Imchen told HT.
He described it as a “very emotional” victory and promised to do his best to emulate his late father’s qualities in serving the people.
The BJP fielded Imchen in the by-election as the consensus candidate for the ruling CM Rio-led Naga People’s Front (NPF) alliance and the BJP.
CM Rio praised Imchen in a post on
Meanwhile, state BJP president Yaptumi said Imchen’s victory belongs to every BJP Karyakarta across Nagaland and represents a clear expression of the faith of the people and the rising aspirations of the youth of the state.
“This victory strengthens our resolve to work selflessly for progress, unity and a brighter future for Nagaland,” said Yaptomi.
In the by-poll, independent candidate Toshikaba received 4,194 votes, while another independent candidate, Imtiwabang Kechu, received 3,733 votes. NPP’s Abingang got 3,129 votes, Congressman T Chalokamba Ao got 144 votes, and independent candidate Imchatoba got 145 votes. NOTA scored 78 votes.
