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NPF legislators with the PDA leadership on Monday. Seven NPF MLAs have declared support to the PDA government.[/caption]
Dimapur, March 25 (EMN): Seven NPF legislators from the eastern districts of Nagaland have sprung a virtual revolt on Monday after they openly declared their support to the People’s Democratic Alliance government and its consensus candidate for the Lok Sabha elections; and protested that the NPF’s decision to support the Congress candidate was against the principle of regionalism.
The legislators include Kejong Chang of 54-Tuensang Sadar II assembly constituency, EE Pangteang of 48-Moka assembly constituency, Eshak Konyak of 47-Aboi assembly constituency, CL John of 45-Tehok assembly constituency, BS Nganlang of 49-Tamlu assembly constituency, N Thongwang Konyak of 46-Mon Town assembly constituency, and Toyang Chang of 53-Tuensang Sadar I assembly constituency.
In a joint statement issued on Monday night, they appreciated all the developmental and progressive initiatives undertaken till date by the PDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.
“Ever since the PDA coalition was sworn in on 8th March 2018 to run the affairs of Nagaland, we have witnessed positive changes and restoration of the system of good governance which is in the greater interest of the people of Nagaland. We look forward to an era of stability with visionary and decisive leadership which is the need of the hour in Nagaland to facilitate the much-needed all-round development.
“We extend our fullest cooperation to the PDA government and we also endorse the PDA government’s stand as a facilitator to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process for an early, honourable and inclusive political solution.
“Moreover, the absence of an NPF candidate in the Lok Sabha elections 2019 and the decision to support the Congress is against the principle of regionalism and this development has necessitated our decision to extend cooperation and support to the PDA consensus candidate and the PDA government,” the statement read.
This latest move in the state’s political chessboard has the potential to trigger a chain reaction considering that it was only recently 18 NPF legislators had asked its party leadership to work out modalities with the NDPP for a “stable coalition.”
This could also activate a cat-and-mouse game between the two parties as the seven legislators have not resigned from the NPF yet. They have only declared their support to the PDA.
NPP leaders’ PDA membership axed
The government of Nagaland has terminated the PDA membership of Ato Yepthomi, the president of NPP Nagaland unit; general secretary, Sasank Ghatraj; and executive member, G Viccashe Sumi with immediate effect.
“They will accordingly cease to hold the status of minister of state,” read an order issued on Monday. Yepthomi’s position as the chairperson of Nagaland Hotels Limited has been terminated immediately.
