Kohima, March 08: The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) today emerged as frontrunner to form the next Government in the State with the conglomerate bagging 29 of the 57 seats, results for which were declared, and needing just two more to match the required numbers.

Former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is all set to head the four-party alliance Government for the second time.

The Nagaland People's Front (NPF), which heads the DAN, won 25 seats while its opponent Congress bagged 22.NCP and BJP secured two seats each.

NPF, BJP, JD-U and NCP forged a pre-poll alliance but contested the elections on separate manifestos.

Six Independents also won from their respective constituencies.

Analysts said the three seats, where counting was not held, are NPF strongholds.

After the victory, Rio said if there was no President's Rule, the NPF could have fared much better.

"Despite all odds and interference from underground activists, the people gave us another chance to serve them," Rio told PTI.

"We have already talked to some Independents and there would be no problem of getting committed support from them and provide a stable Government in the State," Rio said.

On next course of action, Rio said the elected MLAs of DAN would decide tomorrow about the formation of Government.

Although the overall verdict of the people in this election was on expected lines, political analysts had predicted a fractured mandate, but projected the Congress tally at at least 25. Senior Congress leaders in the State admitted the imposition of Central rule boomeranged on the party.

State Congress chief Hokheto Sumi had said if his party cannot cross the 25-figure mark it would prefer to sit in the Opposition.

Political analysts here pointed out that AICC leaders joined the campaign trail for the party at the fag end of electioneering, leaving the leaders and the contesting candidates to fend for themselves.

Among NPF winners were its president Shurhozelie, who retained his Northern Angami seat for the sixth time.

Rio retained the Northern Angami II seat for the fifth time, defeating his Congress rival Sevetso by over 10,000 votes.

Nagaland Assembly Speaker Kiyanlilie Peseyie won from Western Angami seat.

Prominent Congress winners were former Chief Minister K L Chishi, former CLP leader I Imkong and C Apok Jamir, son of Goa Governor S C Jamir.

Among prominent Congress losers, who had all defected form the NPF and BJP, were former Finance Minister K Therie, former Power Minister Tameren Aier, former PHE Minister Z Obed and former Tourism Minister Vatsu Meru.

Losers in the DAN camp included former home minister Thenucho (NPF), former Health Minister T M Lotha (BJP) and former Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi (NPF).

All the four woman candidates in the fray lost.

Nagaland was brought under President's Rule recently in the wake of the fluid political situation and the State Assembly was subsequently dissolved.

Counting of votes for three assembly segments under Zunheboto district would begin tomorrow with repoll held there today under tight security.

Comment