Dimapur, May 23 (EMN): The National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) of the 11th northern Angami-II AC while condemning the ‘illogical and baseless’ allegations against Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Yitachu at a rally in Pfutsero on Monday, May 21, sought material proof and evidence of allegation from legislator.
In the event of failure to substantiate his ‘wild allegation,’ the NDPP northern Angami-II AC, said it will be compelled to seek remedial course of action, either by filling a defamation case or settle the issue through customary practices.
A press release received from the party on Wednesday stated that the MLA has openly accused Rio stating that ‘his leadership was bought at the time of the 13th general election of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by purchasing away two intending candidates and threatening away the lone lady candidate.’
The party of the constituency said the reasons for withdrawal of candidature will be best known by the candidates themselves. It also stated that ‘the intending NPF candidate has also come out openly with reasons for his withdrawal which has been widely publicized in the local dailies which disproved Yitachu’s contention.’
“Yitachu, the all knowing NPF MLA has also categorically stated just a few days back that the NDPP party is just a registered party and that NDPP will not get recognition untill 2023 , to which the ECI has given recognition to NDPP Party on 17 th April 2018. This explains to the Nagas that a lying spirit has taken hold of Shri. Yitachu’s tongue and he is in total confused state of mind,” it stated.
It also stated that it is evident from the fact that after Rio’s departure from the state to the Lok Sabha in 2014, ‘the successive leadership have failed totally in every aspect and the division and polarisation within the NPF ranks is dubiously legendary.’
“It is because of their failure that the NPF has no choice but to disseminate lies in order to gain political mileage,” the party alleged.
Taking strong exception to the statement of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Yitachu during a joint platform of the NPF and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on May 21 at Pfutsero town for the ensuing Lok Sabha by-election, former MLA Chupfuo has sought clarification / apology from the former.
Chupfuo was responding to news report which appeared on May 22 in which Yitachu was reported to have stated that Neiphiu Rio had purchased/ bought his assembly seat from him and another candidate who had intended to contest and also prevented a female candidate from filling her nomination.
In a statement, Chupfuo stated that he started his political career with UDF party since 1976 and had never asked for ministerial berth or anything to do with personal benefit but stood tall and firm for the party so that other MLAs could be accommodated and to ensure stability of the party.
Offended by the statement, Chupfuo has demanded Yitachu to furnish any proof, if any, on or before May 25, failing which he has warned to seek justice from the court of law.
