Kohima/IBNS: Nagaland has created a milestone by electing a woman to its Assembly for the first time. Hekani Jakhalu, a member of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), has become the state's first female MLA.

By securing 1,536 more votes than Azheto Zhimomi, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hekani Jakhalu won the contest for the Dimapur III seat.

The Nagaland Assembly might also have another female MLA in addition to Hekani Jakhalu.

Salhoutuonuo Kruse, another NDPP candidate, is currently leading in the Western Angami constituency by a margin of more than 400 votes, which could lead to a double celebration in the state.

In its history of 14 Assembly elections, the state had never before elected a woman MLA.

This year, out of the 183 candidates in the fray, only four women contested the polls.

Under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership, the NDPP has been in a coalition with the BJP since the 2018 elections.

The alliance secured 30 seats in the previous election and in 2023 it is leading in 39 seats. With the requirement of 31 seats for a majority in the 60-seat Assembly, the alliance is on course to attain a comfortable majority.

As per a seat-sharing agreement, the BJP fielded candidates in 20 seats while the NDPP fought in 40.