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DIMAPUR — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president J.P. Nadda on Saturday said that the Congress had the opportunity to rule the country for a long time but did not respect the time given to them, resulting in development activities coming to a standstill.
Even during their regime in Nagaland, their "Get the votes, and forget the public" policy hindered progress and prosperity in the state, which is why they do not have a single seat in the state Legislative Assembly today, he added.
The BJP chief was addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign for PDA consensus candidate Dr. Chumben Murry at Agri-Expo in Chümoukedima on Saturday.
The state will go to polls on April 19 to decide the fate of three candidates -- Dr. Chumben Murry (NDPP), S Supongmeren Jamir (INC) and Hayithung Tungoe Lotha (Ind) – who are in the fray for the state’s lone parliamentary seat.
Describing Nagaland as a land of rich culture and tradition, known for its festivals and respect for humanity, Nadda also lauded the honesty, simplicity, strong character and hard working nature of its people.
He went on to highlight the collaborative efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in fostering the development of Nagaland and integrating the state into the national mainstream.
Vision for Northeast
Modi has a vision for the Northeast, which goes beyond ‘Act East’, to make the region a gateway for South Asia and East Asia, he said, adding that efforts will be made to enhance engagement in trade, tourism and various other sectors. He also said that Modi has made a significant impact on India's political landscape, transforming the essence of Indian politics, reshaping its fabric and revolutionising the traditional paradigms of political thought and action.
Nadda claimed that during the Congress era, the meaning of the Northeast was ‘divide and rule’ but it has transformed into the PM DevINE Model (Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region) in the BJP-NDPP era.
The prime minister has allocated INR 6,600 crore for PM DevINE scheme, which is entirely funded by the Centre, he said, adding that News Delhi is not far from Kohima, Dimapur or Manipur, which is why PM Modi mentioned "last mile delivery" and "last mile connectivity".
Claiming that the Northeast witnessed isolation and neglect during the Congress regime, he said Modi and Rio have shifted the region towards a policy of decisiveness, doorstep delivery and development. The BJP chief further said that Modi has visited the Northeast 72 times, surpassing the combined visits of all previous prime ministers of India. The PM has referred to the Northeast as ‘Ashtalakshmi’ (eight forms of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi) and ‘Ashtaadhar’, symbolising eight areas of progress -- peace, power generation, tourism, 5G connectivity, development and preservation of culture, natural farming, sports and enhancement of potential, he added.
Peace efforts
Highlighting achievements in peace efforts and insurgents joining the mainstream, Nadda said that 11 peace accords have been signed, leading to surrendering of 9,500 insurgents, while noting that 71% reduction in insurgent attacks, 60% reduction in attacks on security forces and 82% decrease in attacks on civilians has been witnessed in Nagaland and the northeast.
In the last nine years, significant infrastructure development has taken place in the Northeast, bringing about a significant progress in the region including Nagaland, thus integrating the states into the mainstream, he said.
He added that the government will work towards refining the Naga peace accord under the principles of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas' (loosely translated as everyone's support, development of all, everyone's trust, everyone's effort).
On suppression of minorities
Also addressing the gathering CM Rio said that the adversaries, including the Congress and Rising People's Party (RPP) were criticising the BJP and also the NDPP over the alleged suppression of the minorities. Maintaining that they were all concerned on the same, he said the high command, the BJP and the NDA government will surely address the issues.
The BJP has allied with small parties in 18 states and 57 political parties even if parties don’t have MLAs or MPs, indicating that they have concern for the minorities, he said, adding that extending hand to the minority and minor parties is well appreciated.
The BJP is supporting the NPF candidate in Outer Manipur seat, though it is a small party, and it sends out a huge message, he said, adding that he will campaign for NPF candidate in Manipur on April 20.
To pursue Naga issue after election
Rio acknowledged the central government for exempting Nagaland from the purview of the Citizenship Amendment Act and taking the Naga political issue to another level by signing the Framework Agreement in 2015 and Agreed Position in 2015.
The legislators of the state have come together and formed an opposition-less government because of the voice and desire of the Naga people for one solution to the Naga political issue, he said, adding that the political affairs committee will pursue with the civil societies and Naga political groups after the election to bring a logical conclusion to the problem.
On ENPO’s stance
With regard to ENPO’s decision to abstain from participating in the Lok Sabha election over the Frontier Nagaland Territory issue, Rio once again appealed to the people of eastern Nagaland to vote, said that when a popular government is installed in Delhi, the issue can be resolved, paving way for peace and development in the state.
Deputy Chief Ministers Y. Patton and TR Zeliang, PDA Lok Sabha Candidate Dr. Chumben Murry and several other leaders also spoke at the event.