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WOKHA/MOKOKCHUNG — The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) embarked on a campaign trail on Friday by organising rallies in Wokha and Mokokchung ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, President of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and Chairman of the PDA Chingwang Konyak, along with representatives of allied political parties, participated in the rallies in support of Dr. Chumben Murry, the PDA consensus candidate for the 18th Lok Sabha election.
The voting for Nagaland’s lone parliamentary seat will be held on April 19 before the votes are counted on June 4.
Addressing the gathering at Dr. Murry’s home district Wokha, Rio emphasised the importance of securing a ‘thumping majority vote’ as its candidate has the support of all the 60 members of the Legislative Assembly.
Describing Murry as a capable candidate who could effectively represent the people of Nagaland in the Centre, he urged the citizens of Wokha to support and cast their votes for him.
Drawing a comparison in the Centre’s engagement with the north-east region, particularly Nagaland, during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and Congress regime, he said increase in infrastructural development and stability could be seen under the current administration.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy CM and leader of the BJP Legislature Party, Y Patton acknowledged the ‘historic’ collective support from the 60 MLAs.
Claiming that a Lotha candidate will be representing the people of the state in the Lok Sabha for the first time, he called upon the people of the district and the state, to cast their vote for the PDA candidate for peace, progress and development.
Chingwang Konyak said that the NDA will come to power again in the Centre and encouraged the electorate to vote for Murry.
Meanwhile, Murry thanked the collective leadership and the 60 legislators of Nagaland for their support. Stressing the importance of stability, peace and development, he said these goals are achievable through collective effort and support of the people.
‘Murry is right person to defend Nagas’
Speaking at the rally held in Mokokchung, Rio expressed confidence that the people will deliver a strong mandate for the PDA candidate, citing the district’s ‘high track record’ of delivering significant electoral victories.
Introducing the candidate at Town Hall, Mokokchung, he said that Murry has a “deep understanding and knowledge of our society and public view,” because of which the PDA believes that he is the right representative to defend Naga’s socio-cultural and religious identity in Parliament.
The chief minister also noted the BJP’s longstanding alliance under his leadership since 2003, while expressing confidence that the BJP-led NDA will form the government for a third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He went on to mention BJP’s alliance with 57 parties across 18 states, while claiming that the BJP alone has the capacity to secure an absolute majority. The PDA will join the NDA with a massive mandate, he said, underscoring the importance of peace and collaboration.
“We should have peace in our land; we should have a relationship with the Delhi government and go along with the growth of the country,” he said.
Reflecting on his 50-year political career since joining the UDF party in 1974, Rio stressed the necessity of unity among the Nagas to resolve the political issue.
“We are at the cross road and if we want to resolve the Naga political issue, all Nagas must unite first,” he asserted, while affirming the 60 MLAs’ commitment to bring about a solution to the Naga political problem.
He also pledged PDA’s commitment to advocating for a peaceful solution at the Centre if given the mandate.
The chief minister further said that the NDPP, as a regional party, and BJP workers being Nagas in the state, “would never betray the Nagas and our faith”. ‘We are working together to protect our Naga identity, culture, tradition and customary laws,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Murry underscored the urgency of resolving the Naga political issue, saying that there would be no peace without it. “We expect development through Act East Policy. However, it is not enough. Unless there is solution to the Naga political problem, Nagaland cannot be fully developed,” he said.
He also pledged to represent Nagaland’s interests and address religious persecutions if elected to the Lok Sabha.