Dimapur, July 22 (EMN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has stated there were some ‘misinformation in the public domain’ concerning a petition filed in the Election Commission of India ‘by an individual against the NDPP.’
The party issued a press release on Sunday claiming its ‘political adversaries’ have extensively used this petition to spread propaganda and create confusion among the public. “This release is being issued to give the factual information to the citizens:
“The petition was timed at a crucial period of the campaign to the recently held by-election to the Lok Sabha Parliamentary seat from Nagaland. It was used by our adversaries as a campaign strategy to garner votes and create confusion in the minds of the public. Despite such propaganda the NDPP emerged victorious with a handsome margin.
“On close scrutiny of the petition by the party and senior legal luminaries, the petition was found to be not only politically motivated, but it has been fabricated with false contents, inaccurate certificates and the affidavit itself was fraudulent,” it read.
According to the party, it has ‘appropriately replied to the petition, having also pointed out the deficiencies of the petition and the attempts to mislead the ECI with false information and certificates. Therefore we have asked for dismissal of the petition.’
The NDPP, it stated, was founded in the ‘most democratic manner’ on May 17, 2017 and all due processes were followed ‘in letter and spirit’ as per the guidelines of the ECI for registration of the party. “Public notices in the form of newspaper advertisements were published in national, local, Hindi and vernacular newspapers for two subsequent days on 6th and 7th September 2017 for inviting objections within 30 days. No such claims or objections were received. After completion of all formalities the NDPP was formally registered with the ECI on 13th October, 2017. On 7th December, 2017 the ECI allotted the common symbol of ‘Globe’ for the general elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2018.
“In the ensuing general elections the NDPP had a pre-poll seat sharing alliance with the BJP and the NDPP won in 18 seats out of the 40 which we contested by polling 25.23% of the vote share. On the basis of this electoral victory along with the BJP, the PDA Government was sworn in with the NPP, JD (U) and independent.
“The by-election to the Lok Sabha parliamentary seat vacated by Mr. Neiphiu Rio was held on 28thApril, 2018 where the PDA’s consensus candidate contested on NDPP ticket with the reserved symbol of the party and with the status of a recognised political party. The NDPP won the election by a margin of 173746 and secured 58.56% of the votes,” the statement read.
Today, it reminded, the NDPP heads the government in Nagaland, has a representative in the Lok Sabha and is a full fledged member of the National Democratic Alliance government in New Delhi and also a member of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). “Our presence and membership has continued to grow all over the state with more than 8000 primary and active members.
“The NDPP got registered with the ECI on the basis of following all procedures meticulously by following all instructions and directions of the commission and the party has been accorded recognition by virtue of its numerical strength which was obtained through electoral performances in a democratic manner.
“Under these circumstances and on the basis of the sequence of events, there is no question of any rollback with regard to registration and recognition of the party. Therefore, it is pertinent to point out that despite the petition, no adverse order has been passed by the ECI and there will be no change of status of the NDPP under any circumstances.”
It asserted that the party was a registered and recognised political party with the ECI and it continues to grow ‘as a movement with the popular support and blessings of the people.’
“The public will recall that on several occasions, our adversaries had spoken out with false propaganda but they had to face the bitter truth. For example when the party was formed, they said it can never be registered and that we cannot contest elections. When we won the elections, they said the NDPP can never be recognised. They have been proved wrong time and again with facts.
“The NDPP will not resort to any such strategy as we are a responsible political party with mature leaders who have utmost respect for the wisdom of the people. The NDPP will continue to march forward under the guidance of our motto 'Facta no Verba' meaning deeds not words,” the party declared.
