Nagaland Cabinet decides to go ahead with ULB polls: Minister KG Kenye

The state government is obliged to fullfil the direction of the supreme court, said Minister KG Kenye

The Nagaland Cabinet has decided to go ahead with the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections scheduled to be held on May 16, 2023, as the state government is obliged to fullfil the direction of the supreme court, said Nagaland minister KG Kenye speaking exclusively to Northeast Live.

The Cabinet decision today comes in the backdrop of the three municipal councils– Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) in Nagaland and the 36 town councils announcing the boycott of the polls.

It may be mentioned here that the three Municipal Councils and the 36 town councils have also resolved not to participate nor allow any candidate to contest or file the nomination in the ensuing ULB polls if the Government fails to review the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.

They want the tax on buildings and land issues resolved first.

This is the first time in 13 years that Nagaland is set to witness the ULB polls.

Elections to Urban Local Bodies have not been held for 13 years due to taxation on land and buildings as well as a 33% seat reservation for women in civic bodies in the state.

Now, the issue goes beyond the 33% reservation for women and the tax and land reforms to involve the violation of article 371A.

The civic societies are concerned about infringement on the social and customary practices of the Nagas, the minister said.

The minister said that there are now more reasons for civil societies to oppose the ULB polls.

The Minister further stated that although the cabinet has not been informed, they have learned from reliable sources that the leading civil societies have scheduled a meeting for tomorrow.

When asked about the NSCN-IM statement opposing the conduct of the ULB Polls, the minister responded by saying that the government would not get into that issue, but would rather let the Election Commission handle it.

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