EMN
Dimapur, November 24
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee reiterated that Chief Minister TR Zeliang should have the audacity to honor the RTI reply as he is integral to the much-needed transparent regime with accountability fixed for all irrespective of status and position.
Notwithstanding the electoral reverses in the past, the Congress said it will not shirk from the bounden duty of a responsible opposition to keep the ruling party on its toes and keep public informed of the omission and commission of the government through RTI and other means.
NPCC Working President Ayang Aonok in a statement said, “The NPCC still holds that since TR Zeliang got propelled to the highest office through the people’s court, and hence, he owes an explanation to the people of Nagaland irrespective of the outcome of legal court verdict and without debating on the meaning of ‘subjudice’ with NPCC. The NPF is trying to let TR Zeliang escape the dragnet of law based on technicalities, but the larger issue is, where will the NPF cremate/bury the RTI reply/document? The NPF PRO and NPF press bureau are well advised to get a reality checked done before insinuating opponents while jostling to insulate their master to have them in his good books.
As to the remark of NPF press bureau that Congress Bhavan is the comfort of NPCC, it is but apt and worthy of comment. For NPCC, the Congress Bhavan is ideal and most appropriate place to make all policy decision in matter related to party affairs and does not find Kaziranga national park in Assam or luxury star hotels and Road-show destinations convenient unlike NPF to discuss party matters.”
Aonok said, “The contradictory statement/clarifications made by NPF on 11, 15 and 20 Nov. 2015, have added more confusion and exposes chinks in the armors of NPF. The NPF Central Office through PRO Yanger Jamir, on November 11 2015, clarified that, on matter of T.R. Zeliang educational qualification, the petitioner plea was turned down by the high court implying that T.R. Zeliang had been exonerated. Whereas Press bureau, NPF Central Office, Kohima, on 15th November 2015, clarified in response to NPCC probing query that the matter was sub-judice and therefore TR Zeliang cannot comment. Apprehending such discomfort situation, the NPCC insisted from the outset to let T.R. Zeliang, respond pertaining to his academic qualification and not the overzealous party bagpiper to clear the air once and for all. While trying to conceal the truth, the NPF PRO, reaffirmed that ‘truth will prevail’. The press bureau, NPF Central Office, Kohima, within four days refuted the NPF PRO, compounding the vitiated atmosphere of contradiction and operation cover-up.”
“On November 20, 2015, the NPF Press bureau has added a new angle to TR Zeliang’s academic qualification issue to that of a ‘winner and loser’ in electoral contest. The simple question NPCC posed was whether TR Zeliang had lied under oath prior to the contest, NPF press bureau is harping now. It is not about a political fight between NPCC and NPF, but an issue of a prominent Public figure, holding responsible position misleading the Election Commission of India and Information Commissioner napping red handed the same public figure through RTI reply. Ostensibly buoyed by impressive electoral performance and riding on the crest of the past electoral successes, the NPF press bureau is trying to divert the attention; and attempt is being made to bury the all-vital RTI reply hiding behind legal niceties.”
