EMN
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 8
The State unit of BJP today lambasted the alleged ‘political sabotage’ of its election campaign by a group of NPF youth at Chiechama, about 49 kms from the State capital.
BJP candidate for Northern Angami-II bye-election Visasolie Lhoungu’s election agent Rükhretuo while interacting with media persons said all formalities as per the ECI Election Code of Conduct had been fulfilled for the BJP campaign scheduled to be held at Chiechama Village Council (CVC) hall this evening. He said even Chiechama Village Council chairman had given the approval to BJP for the campaign.
Nevertheless, he alleged that as the BJP team reached the venue, a group of NPF youth thronged the CVC hall and started threatening the BJP functionaries while also chasing away the electorate of the village who had come to listen to the candidate and BJP leaders, including BJP Nagaland unit president Dr. M. Chuba, BJP National General Secretary I/c of Nagaland & Arunachal Prashant Arora and the candidate.
Rükhretuo regretted that despite trying to persuade the youth that the BJP had taken prior permission from the village council for the purpose, the party was not allowed to hold the campaign.
He also lamented that though SP Kohima, on request by BJP, had sent reinforcement to take control of the situation and provide security for the peaceful conduct of the campaign, the police team did not reach the venue but was seen waiting near the highway, some 200 meters away, before reaching the CVC hall.
He also said even after request, OC Chiephobozou Police Station refused to go upto the venue and control the situation and instead was waiting for permission from EAC Chiephobozou.
Terming the act as ‘political sabotage’ by NPF, he said “we will report the matter to higher authorities.”
“We are trying to maintain the coalition spirit, but NPF is trying to create situation wherever BJP is holding rally,” he further alleged.
Stating that two more rallies were scheduled to be held at Botsa and Gariphema on Thursday and Friday respectively, BJP’s official candidate Visasolie Lhoungu said, “If such a confrontational situation continues, we may not go for further public rallies, because we want a peaceful, free and fair election.” He also lamented that NPF was trying all means to ‘sabotage’ his campaigns.
NPF washes hands off BJP allegation
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has pooh-poohed the allegations leveled by BJP State unit over the alleged ‘political sabotage’ of the latter’s campaign at Chiechama village this evening.
NPF official candidate for Northern Angami-II bye-election Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu’s election agent Neingutuolie Kenguruse said neither the NPF candidate nor the party had any knowledge about such a situation arising during the election campaign of BJP at Chiechama Village Council hall.
He said the matter is entirely between the Chiechama Village Youth Organization and BJP campaign team, and therefore NPF does not have any hand in disturbing the BJP campaign.
He mentioned that in February 2014, Chiechama Village Council, along with other bodies of the village including women, youth and student organisation had resolved that since there were four ticket seekers from the village, they would fully support the candidate who gets NPF ticket.
He further said the village had also decided that no candidate from other political party(s) would be allowed to campaign within the village during the bye-election if a candidate of the village stands on NPF ticket.
Neingutuolie said since Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu hails from Chiechama village and has the NPF ticket, the village youth must have stood by the February resolution and stopped BJP candidate from campaigning in the village.
He said the matter is between BJP and Chiechama Youth Organisation and NPF should not be blamed for it.
