Nagaland polls: Few criminals, many crorepatis fight it out

Only three of the 188 candidates analysed by the Association for Democratic Reforms and the Nagaland Election Watch have criminal cases pending against them.

 This is a refreshing change as elections in India often witness hordes of tainted politicians contesting for the coveted seats.

 Naga People's Front leader Toshipokba from Aonglenden constituency has declared two cases pending against him, including one charge of cheating. His fellow leader Neiba Kronu from Pfutsero constituency has declared one charge related to criminal conspiracy and Independent candidate P Cheong from MonTown constituency faces charges under the Motor Vehicle Act.

 According to the ADR, 84 crorepatis are among the candidates who will battle it out in the impending polls.

 The average asset worth of a candidate contesting the Nagaland assembly election is Rs 2.21 crore. In the 2008 state election, the average asset worth of the 218 candidates analysed was Rs 1.74 crore.

 The top three candidates with highest declared assets are Congress leader K L Chishi from Dimapur-I constituency who has declared assets worth Rs. 50.19 crore, followed by Neiphiu Rio of NPF from Northern Angami II constituency who has Rs 30.07 crore and I. Imkong of the Congress from Jenpetkong constituency who has declared assets worth Rs 18.23 crore. 

 Twelve of the 188 candidates have declared assets worth less than Rs 5 lakh.

 Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lingko Sangtam from Seyochung Sitimi constituency has declared assets worth Rs 1.01 lakh followed by another BJP leader -- Leiyang from Phomching constituency -- who has assets worth Rs 1.5 lakh and Congress leader Bongkhao from Tobu constituency with assets worth Rs 1.71 lakh. 

 The NPF candidate with the lowest asset worth is Sashimar from Angetyongpang who has declared assets worth Rs 19.21 lakh.

 Only five candidates have declared liabilities and they are Congress candidate S I Jamir, from Dimapur-II with liabilities worth Rs. 1.65 crore followed by Toshipokba of NPF from Aonglengden constituency with liabilities of Rs 1.56 crores, Congress leader Yankithung Yanthan from Tyui  constituency with liabilities of Rs 68.04 lakh, his fellow leader K L Chishi from Dimapur-I constituency  with liabilities of Rs. 57.63 lakh and Independent candidate Khaiminlun from Ghaspani-II constituency with liabilities of Rs. 3.64 lakh.