Two candidates of the 9 Kohima Town Assembly Constituency--Dr. Neikiesalie Kire of Nationalists Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and Meshenlo Kath of Indian National Congress --kicked off their campaign at a separate event in Kohima on Tuesday.
A campaign kickoff and rally for NDPP candidate Dr. Neikiesalie Kire was held at PWD Junction, Kohima.
Addressing the rally, Nagaland CM and NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio said some of the NDPP candidates were displaced due to seat sharing arrangements with BJP.
He also said that everywhere people are taking his name and clarified that the alliance is only NDPP with BJP. He also expressed confidence that they will get "absolute majority" with above 40 seats.
It was Union Home Minister Amit Shah who proposed a 40-20 arrangement between NDPP and BJP for the upcoming election, Rio said.
The NDPP- BJP alliance was able to send two MPs to Lok Sabha, and one to Rajya Sabha. 'Our record is good, that's why Delhi has faith in us', he said.
It is important for the NDPP candidate to win seats this time as it all comes down to power sharing. He lamented that in the last election, the winning percentage of NDPP was very less and expressed hope that the party will win more seats this time.
Whoever forms the next government, the 14th house of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly will resolve big issues including that of Naga political issue. The new government will handle the Naga political issue and will shape the Naga future, he said.
He also said the government is going to think over and take decisions for the delimitation in Nagaland.
Rio further informed that Kohima is named as the host city for the G20 summit, which is likely to be held in the first week of April.
Meanwhile, the kick-off programme for the INC candidate Meshenlo Kath was held at Congress Bhavan, Kohima. The contesting candidate Kath stated that he wants to be in the opposition and check the system.
‘The role of the opposition is to raise questions to the government of the day and hold the government accountable. As such a strong opposition is needed to check the policies and governance. The congress manifesto focuses on the youth,’ he added.
Khriedi Theünuo, Working President NPCC, said the Congress party is obligated to the then PM Jawarhalal Nehru and Indira Gandhi whose support and contribution have brought statehood to Nagaland. He further stated that Nagaland was created through the 16 Point Agreement and some of the points are incorporated in the constitution under Art. 371A and Nagas are enjoying the fruits.
He pointed out that Congress stands for freedom of religion and safeguarding minorities. He further stated that the Congress party preserves Naga rights and always stood for Nagas in every way.
He appealed to all like-minded citizens to come forward in order to bring good governance in the state.