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Leaders of the BJP's Nagaland unit parading its newly-inducted members on Mon. at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 22: In an oblique response to the demand for ‘solution before election’ by the Naga Civil Society, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national general secretary and in-charge of the Northeastern states Ram Madhav on Mon. suggested the idea of ‘election for solution,’ even as he expressed belief that the forthcoming elections would bring the ‘solution closer.’
While his statement could be seen as a dampener to the demand of the Naga society, Madhav made it clear that the government has certain constitutional obligations that cannot be avoided. He suggested rather the idea of “election for solution” saying that this election should be for a 'good' solution. Madhav said this while addressing BJP workers at a felicitation programme for members who had joined the party recently. The programme was held at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur on Jan. 22.
The BJP leader expressed happiness at seeing veteran candidates and young leaders deciding to join the party. While welcoming the candidates, he remarked that the party was 'growing very fast' in the state of Nagaland.
“BJP is the party of the present and the future which is committed to the Hindi slogan “Sabhka sat sabhka vikas” which committed not only to work for the development of Dimapur but at the 60 constituencies of Nagaland,” Madhav stated.
The BJP leader added that the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to bringing development and to make India an egalitarian society. He, however, said that development can come only when there is peace in the state.
On the Naga political issue, he said that the government was 'trying' to conclude an agreement with different Naga groups including the NSCN (IM) and six working group of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). Without naming the NSCN (K), he said the government is also looking forward to bring other groups into an agreement.
“We have progress so much that there is no going back now. We will soon have a settlement and agreement for a lasting peace in the state of Nagaland,” Madhav added. Commenting on the reported moves of the NPF to sever ties with the BJP, which has been in alliance for over 15 years, Madhav has termed it ‘unfortunate and wrong decision.’ Saying that the lives of Naga people matter the most, Madhav has appealed to all senior leaders to join hands for a stable government in the state.
In a tete-a-tete, a BJP official informed that the decision of the NPF to sever ties with the party had come as a jolt. He said that the party was waiting for a 'positive response from the NPF to come true' after the latter’s central executive council (CEC) meeting scheduled on Jan. 23 in Kohima.
The BJP has also informed that some important leaders including MLAs are expected to join the party in the coming days.
The candidates who were felicitated in today’s meeting were former chief minister KL Chishi from Atoizu assembly constituency (AC) in Zunheboto district; former MLA Jacob Zhimomi from Ghaspani-I under Dimapur district; V Khashiho Sangtam from Seyochung Sitimi AC under Kiphire district; Kehovi from Suruhoto AC under Zunheboto district; Kazheto from Akuluto AC under Zunheboto district; former Congress candidate R Tsapikiu Sangtam from Pungro AC under Kiphire district; former Congress candidate H Haiying Khiamniungan from Noklak; former medical officer Dr. Benjung Lam from Noklak district; former director of NEZCC Lipokmar Tzudir from Tuli AC under Mokokchung district; Kasheto Yepthomi from GHaspani-I AC under Dimapur district; former Congress candidate Hukiye Tissica from Aghunato AC in Zunheboto district; Atoka Tuccu from Dimapur-I AC; Tokuho Neho from Ghaspani-II AC under Dimapur district; Imjongwati from Jangpetkong AC in Mokokchung district; and former MLA Hewoto Awomi from Dimapur-II AC.
