Nagaland Assembly elections | BJP’s Kazheto Kinimi re-elected unopposed from Akuluto after Congress candidate withdraws candidature

He won uncontested after the only opponent, Congress candidate Khekashe Sumi, withdrew his candidature

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opened its account in Nagaland ahead of the February 27 Assembly polls after the party’s candidate Kazheto Kinimi was re-elected unopposed from the Akuluto constituency on Friday.

Mr. Kinimi won uncontested after the only opponent, Congress candidate Khekashe Sumi, withdrew his candidature.

“Beyond humbled and honoured to represent the people of Akuluto 31 A/C for a second term, as unopposed,” Mr. Kinimi said in a tweet. “I praise Almighty God for this privilege and extend my gratitude to my supporters, wellwishers, the karyakartas of Akuluto BJP mandal and Nagaland State BJP,” he added.

B.L. Santosh, the national general secretary of the BJP, said Mr. Kinimi’s victory is “a good news” that “augurs well for the party.” “Congratulations to Sri @KazhetoKinimi, @BJP4Nagaland candidate from 31 Akuluto AC on winning the elections unopposed. This is great news and augurs well for the party,” he said in a tweet.

Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Yanthungo Patton, also congratulated the re-elected BJP MLA. “Wishing him the best as he steers the state forward according to the aspirations of the people and resolve of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji,” Mr. Patton tweeted.