Nagaland

Numbers indicate that the BJP-Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) will be able to just make it to power, replacing the Naga People’s Front. Nagland has its own set of political and development challenges, which the new government will have to grapple with

Corruption

It is an almost accepted code in Naga politics that while candidates pay voters during elections, political representatives, once in power, extract a large share of government funds. This may seem like a neat transaction, but inflicts a heavy cost. It leaves the state with poor infrastructure. If the new government wants to bring ‘development’, it will have to tackle this head-on

Peace process

While the Naga peace process is being dealt with directly by the Centre, the state government will have a role as an important stakeholder. There was a demand that elections be held till a solution is found, but BJP argued that a solution will be found after the election. The Naga framework agreementwill become a contentious issue once it is fleshed out. If Naga areas of other states are not included in the solution, unrest could break out

Jobs for youngsters

Over the past few decades, many Naga students have left the state to pursue educational opportunitie. Nagas have also increasingly found space in India’s growing service industry, particularly aviation and hospitality. But the bulk of the youth remain in the state. And their key demand remains jobs. Getting industry in a somewhat difficult security environment where underground groups form a parallel regime of sorts is a challenge