Kohima: If we look at elections in India, one would argue that the Lok Sabha elections are the biggest in the country and every data suggests the same. But in Nagaland, one could argue that the soon-to-be-held Urban Local Bodies’ elections have generated far more excitement, interest and curiosity, especially among the state’s youths.
One reason behind the excitement is, of course, the fact that these elections are taking place after 20 years, which means there is a generation in Nagaland that has, until now, never voted in local elections.
On June 26, 523 candidates from 10 out of 16 districts will contest the long-overdue elections under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court.
This marks a significant milestone for the state, which has missed out on crucial urban developmental activities due to the absence of these polls.
What stands out in the run-up to the much-anticipated ULB polls is the surge of young candidates stepping into the political arena from various districts, sans the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) which has reaffirmed its stance against participating in any state or parliamentary elections.
Vezito Tetseo: Pioneering Social Entrepreneurship
Among the emerging young leaders is 34-year-old Vezito Tetseo, an intending candidate from Ward No. 11 (Hebron-II) under the Phek Town Council in the Phek district, contesting on a Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) ticket.
In an interview with EastMojo, Tetseo shared his vision for Nagaland’s urban development, drawing inspiration from his parents, who were known for their kindness towards people of all socio-economic statuses. This upbringing instilled in him a deep-seated desire to serve the community.
Having engaged in social work for nearly nine years, Tetseo felt a compelling need to make a more significant impact. “As a social worker, I realised that my ability to effect change was limited,” he said. This drove him to enter the political arena and contest the civic polls, marking his political stint.
Tetseo believes that as a politician, he has a broader platform to pursue sustainable development goals. He emphasised the importance of focusing not only on infrastructure but also on human development. “People often talk about infrastructure, but what about human development? How do we make the youth sustainable?” Tetseo questioned.
The social entrepreneur-turned-politician said he sees himself as a brand ambassador for social entrepreneurship, aiming to influence policy-making to empower the youth.
“While lights, water, and roads are essential, understanding and addressing human needs is equally crucial. Government jobs are saturated, but there are many other ways to earn a livelihood. We need to promote entrepreneurship and provide alternatives for monetising talents and skills, especially for the educated unemployed and school dropouts. We need to prepare our youth for careers in civil services, hospitality, entrepreneurship and other sectors.” he explained.
He shared his commitment to uplift the youth, transitioning them from social activism to social entrepreneurship. Asked if he plans to do so, Tetseo highlighted that through government schemes, young talents can be assisted based on their interests.
“I hope to inspire and influence policies that empower young people, providing them with opportunities to thrive and succeed,” he added.
Although Tetseo resides in a different ward, he emphasised that he chose to contest from Hebron-II, where he was born and raised at the headquarters of the 5th NAP (Nagaland Army Police) battalion. His upbringing in this environment has shaped his understanding of community needs and the challenges faced by local families.
“I witnessed firsthand the struggles of families. Alcoholism is a major concern, and I strongly feel that there is a critical need for rehabilitation and counselling among policemen,” Tetseo shared.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by many families in the ward, particularly those dependent on government employment, who struggle after the retirement of the family’s breadwinner. In this regard, he reiterated his commitment to guiding the youth, helping them develop their skills, and preparing them for the future.
As the proprietor of Headhunters, a leather-craft enterprise, Tetseo said that he will continue his passion for crafts and arts alongside his political ambitions. Headhunters is a registered enterprise under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Meanwhile, when asked what sets him apart from his opponent, Tetseo remarked, “While my opponent may be affluent, I harbour ambitious dreams and aspirations. My campaign is focused on advocating for clean elections and aims to establish a self-sustaining and model ward.”
The young candidate highlighted that he has been actively engaged in educating the electorate about the significance of their vote. “We must overcome the pervasive influence of money in politics. I urge people not to trade their vote for the next five years, but to consider the long-term impact on their future,” he emphasised.
As the poll date draws nearer, Tetseo who began his journey last year, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead, said, “Until the results are out, I cannot provide any assurance, but I am committed to fighting against the influence of money in politics. I believe in the good faith of the people, and I will do my best to give a good fight.”
Imsanger Jamir: A youthful dream
Another young candidate making waves is 31-year-old Congress candidate Imsanger Longkumer from Kohima district, contesting from Ward-18 (Lower Agri and Merhulitsa). Longkumer’s entry into politics was inspired by the events of 2017 when two lives were lost during protests against ULB polls.
In 2017, Nagaland witnessed violent protests against the ULB elections, which provided 33% reservation for women. The protest claimed two lives, and several government properties were vandalised. Several organisations opposed the ULB elections on the grounds that it infringed the special provisions granted to Nagaland under Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
Jamir holds a degree in computer science engineering and has worked as a technical engineer at SBI Kohima. Despite his technical background, he feels a strong connection to public service. Jamir had also served as president of the Naga Students’ Union in Phagwara, Punjab, and North East Students’ Organisation Jalandhar (NESOJ) Punjab.
“ULB is the right platform to connect with the grassroots and to uproot corruption,” he said.
Jamir’s campaign focuses on addressing practical issues like drainage systems and water scarcity. From personal experience, he recalled, “During heavy rains, I occasionally had to clear culverts using a shovel. We struggled to get household water connections. There were times when I even climbed trees to sort out the water pipes. These issues need fixing. Things have to change,” he explained.
His manifesto also includes comprehensive town planning, involving councils from both colonies under the ward in forming a committee to discuss town planning. Jamir aims to employ educated, unemployed youths, using a team of engineers and lawyers, to create employment opportunities in the ward.
His plan also includes organising a young team to carry out the census, developing recreational spaces to ensure mental health provisions amid busy urban life, and more.
Jamir, the youngest among the three candidates in the ward, expressed equal respect for his senior counterparts but shared his commitment solely to the development of his ward.
“At 31, I believe I can make sound decisions. Age should not be a barrier; people should not judge us as too young,” he said. He questions why young people should be limited and not allowed to pursue politics. He points out that when a young aspirant in their 20s clears the UPSC, they are celebrated. Jamir said that these same young bureaucrats go on to influence policies. Similarly, young politicians can excel in decision-making and policy-making.
He challenged the notion that one should join politics only after retirement, asking, “Where is the platform for the young if not now?” He emphasised that while the older generation claims the youth must work, the youth must be given the platform to do so.
Jamir believes in the potential of young people to make significant decisions. “We need to give young people a platform to influence policy-making and bring corporate sectors (for town and state development) in the future.”
When asked how his ideologies align with the Congress party, Jamir said, “Congress being one of the major political groups, I always wanted to join because it aligns with my ideologies—secularism, care for minorities, and farmers’ welfare,” he shared.
Jamir’s message is one of collective change. He urges parents to give the younger generation a chance to bring about this change. “Money is not the only issue in an election; a precious vote and wisdom will bring change,” he stated. Jamir stressed the need to shift the perception that elections are solely about money, warning that money involvement can be a roadblock to development.
If voted to power, he said he would dedicate most of his time to serving the public. “As a public servant, I will truly be a public servant, accepting grievances and addressing them,” he promised. “I’ve often heard that change is coming, but I’ve never seen it. This time, change will come and in reality,” Jamir added.
Youngsters in politics-a good sign
State Election Commissioner TJ Longkumer, reacting to the candidature of many young candidates across the state, expressed his positive sentiment.
The former Nagaland DGP said that it is highly encouraging to witness such maturity exhibited by young candidates, especially during the campaigns.
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To him, this displays a promising outlook for the state’s future, indicating that it is a “good sign for the state”.
One can only hope that the next ULB elections do not take two decades.
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