‘Congress will stay out of DAN government’
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 6
Veteran Congress leader K. Therie today assumed charge as the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President following the resignation of S.I.Jamir on grounds of ‘failing health.’ This was announced at a press conference here in Congress Bhavan this afternoon. The newly appointed NPCC chief in his appeal to lawmakers for upholding the principles of socialism, secularism and democracy said, Nagaland today is in disgrace with social, economic and political issues in complete shambles.
Hitting out at State BJP, Therie said, Nagaland as a predominantly Christian state should not associate with ‘communal forces’ in any form.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) had given clear directive to party that with differences in ideologies and political principles, Congress cannot associate with State BJP, he added.
When asked if Congress members intend to join the DAN government against the will of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders, Therie recalled the situation of January 5 and February 5 episodes which saw NPF party in two warring camps, and said, during this period Chief Minister T.R.Zeliang who was desperate for Congress’ support had only 16 party members.
With the expectation of a new nomenclature and programme to rebuild the society the Congress supported T.R.Zeliang, added Therie.
“After February 5 when 59 MLAs voted for T.R.Zeliang-NPF, we have seen how the situation has changed. Now, they have sidelined the Congress and deliberately inducted BJP MLAs thinking that Congress will withdraw itself. However, we stand by our decision not to be part of the DAN government.”
Therie reiterated, “Congress does not subscribe the ideology of BJP which is already a party to DAN government. February 5 voting was necessitated with the decision of the CLP leaders and there is no reason for NPCC to voice against the CLP’s decision. Congress will refrain from joining DAN government and we appeal party members to desist from doing so.”
When enquired if the party was anticipating positive response from the NPF with cabinet berths, Therie said, after February 5 event, “there have been many changes and we do not want to argue anybody”.
Meanwhile, Therie extended gratitude to AICC President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi for their approval for change of guard. He also lauded the outgoing President Jamir and his colleagues for upholding the constitution of the NPCC.
