Opp’n throws in the red at government functioning

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 2 (EMN): The opposition, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), has demanded that the Election Commission (EC) of India take cognizance of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) appointing 13 persons in its ministry with three in the cabinet status and ten in the status of minister of state. The NPF has sought ‘appropriate action’ against said matter.
Addressing media persons at the NPF’s office, spokesperson of the party Achumebemo Kikon maintained that the appointments should be kept away for the time being on grounds that said appointment was in violation of the election Model Code of Conduct. He alleged that all was not well with the government ‘with the way it was accommodating political parties and appointing people.’ The government is like a “rotten bridge” that looks like it will collapse any moment, Kikon claimed.
While the EC had announced the Lok Sabha elections on the evening of April 26 and the Model Code of Conduct had come into force immediate to it, Kikon questioned ‘how can they appoint when the process of electioneering have started? This is gross violation of the election code of conduct.’
Putting to context the PDA government doing away with the ‘VIP culture’ and introducing ‘austerity measures,’ Kikon wondered about the amount of funds the move would incur. He said it would be a burden on the State Exchequer in that the state was ‘running with a lot of deficits.’
The NPF’s spokesperson opined further that there was ‘no necessity of appointing these many people. “I don’t think their services are required when we have enough elected members to run the government,” he remarked. “What do you expect from this government if a little budget meant for the state is being paid to some few individuals, then what and how will the citizens of Nagaland benefit?” Kikon queried. He alleged that the PDA’s government functioning and actions were contradictory to its vision.
Referring to the closure of petrol pumps called by petroleum dealers that caused problems for the people in the state, Kikon opined that it was nothing but a ‘total breakdown of law and order.’ In spite of the numerous promises they have made to the people, Kikon said, the PDA government has failed in assuring security to the citizens.
The party also referred to ongoing repair and renovation works on roads across the state. Kikon was apprehensive whether or not the PDA would be able to complete the work with ‘just four days left out of 60 days and fulfil its promises.’ He said that although it had came out with ‘many 100 days policies and programmes,’ there was no visible change and nothing was happening on the ground.’
Further, the party expressed discontentment at the PDA’s decision to rename the Indira Gandhi stadium to Dr. T Ao, and the move to appoint former Chief Minister KL Chishi as DAN chairman, which was declined. These are not wise decisions, the NPF spokesman asserted, and maintained that a legendary man like Dr. Ao should not be ‘disgraced in this manner.’ He called ‘funny and demeaning’ the appointment of Chishi as DAN chairman. He asserted that that ‘good or bad he was the former chief minister of the state and that one should know how to respect someone of that stature.’
Referring to the government’s decision to hold ‘mini’ Hornbill festivals in collaboration with tribal festivals in the state, Kikon opined that proper consultation should have been taken from the tribes. He said that the festival of each tribe was ‘unique and sacred’ and that the ‘mini hornbill festivals’ would ‘corrode the Naga culture and identity.’
When queried about whom the NPF would be fielding as candidate for the Lok Sabha, Kikon said that the party was yet to take an ‘official decision.’ He said that consultations were on within the party and a decision about it would be announced soon.
The NPF spokesperson affirmed that the NPF, as an opposition party, would continue to monitor the government.
Decrying the way the state’s government was functioning, Kikon opined: “This is not the way the government should be run. The government is formed for the citizens” and not to simply please the people with false promises or just to hang on to power.
Iterating that the NPF cannot accept or keep quiet, Kikon cautioned that the people need to be watchful. He assured that his party will continue to ‘raise all issues’ concerning the citizens of Nagaland.’