Shürhozelie misses ‘common platform’; deals first blow to clean elections bid

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 22 (EMN): The campaign for clean elections in Nagaland – spearheaded by the NBCC, and keenly adopted by numerous village/urban councils and pressure groups – was dealt a demoralizing hand when former chief minister, and candidate for the 10 Northern Angami-I assembly constituency by-election, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsü decided to skip a ‘common platform’ and held his own campaign at his private residence at Kohima on Saturday.
With only six days left for said elections, the Bayavü Area Panchayat (BAP), Kohima organised a “common platform meeting” for both the candidates – Liezietsü and newcomer, Kekhrie Yhome – to share their respective polices. The venue was Indoor Badminton Stadium, Upper Bayavü.

According to the chairman of BAP, Khinyi Woch, the sole reason behind the ‘common platform’ initiative was to seek a change in the usual process of electioneering in Nagaland dominated by money and muscle power, and allow a process of change ‘which everybody longs for’.
With a population of 8000 people out of 1400 households, the BAP had only recently – on July 19 last – resolved to implement the principle of ‘one person, one vote’ in the true spirit of clean elections. It had also resolved that it won’t allow any political parties to set up their offices in the colony or distribute money or buy/sell votes.
Against this backdrop, the common platform for the two intending candidates was initiated on Saturday – and it was unfortunate that the venerable leader, Liezietsü missed it. By deputing his recently-turned loyalist, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, the former chief minister appears to have delivered a severe blow to the clean elections campaign in Nagaland.
During the event, Azo described Liezietsü as a man who can take strong and bold decision even in the most difficult and crucial times. He also claimed that Liezietsü had created a record of ‘nil corruption’ during his short stint as chief minister.
The candidate at the other end of the ‘debate’, Kekhrie Yhome said his decision to join politics had sprung from a strong felt need that the public needs change, and the by-election represented a good opportunity.
Yhome said he has no interest in ‘outdated propaganda’ and clarified that he has nothing personal against the veteran Liezietsü.
Explaining his party symbol of two unlighted candles, one a little shorter than the other, Yhome shared that it was the role of the public to light the two candles if they want to see change.
Extending full support to the clean election campaign started by the NBCC, Yhome said the movement could be the first step for the Nagas to ‘start right’.
While pointing out that the public has the power to change, he has asked the colony panchayat to stand firm on its resolution and not allow the evil practices during the election.

‘Blessing in disguise’

Meanwhile, a press release from the media cell of NPF central office, reported Liezietsü as claiming that the present political crisis in the NPF-led DAN was a ‘blessing in disguise’. According to the party’s media cell, the former chief minister made this statement to ‘party functionaries at his private residence’.
“Coming down heavily on the BJP-RSS ideology and principles, the former chief minister said that NPF has severed all ties with the BJP to protect the identity and the rights of the Nagas. He said that earlier, due to its alliance with the BJP, the party on many occasion could not speak out the truth. However, he said now the NPF does not have any hesitation to speak the truth for the Naga people”, the statement read.
It was only recently that Liezietsü had described the BJP as “a natural ally” of the NPF, inviting scathing rebuke from the Congress. He was also reported as saying that governor PB Acharya, described as a “hardcore RSS pracharak”, had violated all constitutional provisions and established laws to bring down ‘his government’.
“On MKR Pillai case, the former chief minister questioned why so many legislators have reservation to hand over the case to CBI for inquiry”, the statement read.
Other NPF legislators including CL John, Yitachu, Vikheho Swu and Chotisu Sazo were also reported as addressing the party members.