Dimapur, September 20: The Nagaland unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today got a major boost with four prominent leaders of the State, including former Deputy Chief Minister IK Sema, joining the party fold. With the four joining the BJP, the party hoped to fight the upcoming State elections with renewed vigour.
Besides Sema, former forest minister Kheto Sema, former MLA L Temjem Jamir and vice president of NPF Kiphire division Hobbs S Thonger joined the State BJP.
The State unit of the party has welcomed the four new members into its fold and felicitated them at a function held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, this afternoon.
Interacting with a section of media persons after the party’s marathon meeting-cum-felicitation programme, former Deputy Chief Minister Sema said he joined the BJP with the sole intention to fight corruption prevailing in the State. Alleging that corruption in Nagaland has reached its zenith, Sema said he was moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call to eradicate corruption in the country.Besides, Sema also said he joined the BJP to strengthen the party and cleanse corruption in the system of governance in the State.
Former minister Kheto Sema, clarifying on the “popular misconception” among the Nagas that BJP is a Hindu centric party, said the BJP is political party and not a religious organisation. In the event of BJP coming to power in Nagaland, he said, the party would fight for the rights and protection of Christians not only in Nagaland but throughout the country.
While strongly suggesting that Nagas want change – change for development- Kheto Sema said the party would accord priority to educated unemployed youth of the State so that they do not remain unemployed. He further said the BJP would focus on equitable progress and development of all sections in the Naga society.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA, Dr. TM Lotha, exuded confidence that the joining of four stalwarts will boost and help in strengthening the party in the State. He said the party from all ranks and file has wholeheartedly welcomed them into the party fold.
State and district level leaders of the party were present at the felicitation programme.
Earlier, State BJP vice president Mghato Achumi chaired the programme while Dr. Apise Sangtam, pastor of Sangtam Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar, said the invocation. The presidential speech was delivered by the State president Visasolie Lhoungu, short speeches were also delivered by IK Sema, Kheto Sema, L Temjen Jamir and Dr. TM Lotha. Finance and Development Committee convenor of the party HK Khulu said the vote of thanks.
