Dimapur, Feb. 15 (EMN): The governor of Odisha Dr. SC Jamir has been accused of engaging in state politics by way of campaigning for candidates of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Mokokchung district.
Two political parties–the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–have lodged separate complaints with the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Nagaland informing him of Jamir’s alleged political campaigning in the district.
On Feb. 11, the Mokokchung unit of the NDPP wrote to the CEO alleging that Jamir was openly involved in state politics “by inducing and luring voters” to favour a certain candidate and political party. “Unless his unconstitutional acts are stopped immediately, the post of constitutional head of the state shall become a mockery.
“It is therefore requested that he be reprimanded from involvement in state electioneering and issue appropriate direction as deem fit for conduct of peaceful election in the state,” the letter read.
On Thu. the Nagaland unit of BJP also complained to the CEO stating that he was campaigning for INC and NPF candidates in Mokokchung. “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland strongly protest his involvement in the electioneering process in Nagaland as he suppose (sic) to maintain neutrality as per the constitution of India.
“...besides election modal codes (sic) are already violated by Dr. SC Jamir, the governor of Odisha which is threatening the Indian democracy as well as protocol as head of the state,” it read.
Also, the BJP reminded in a statement that the “Supreme Court has clearly drawn the line for governors to steer clear of political manipulations while in office.” Jamir, it stated, had no business involving in electioneering in Mokokchung district.
