KOHIMA — Nagaland’s Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, who is also one of the newly appointed government spokespersons, said on Wednesday that the People Democratic Alliance (PDA) government is intact and committed to stability and good governance for the people.
He made this statement while addressing a press conference at his residential office in Kohima.
The minister pointed out that the Urban Local Body (ULB) election has concluded, except for a re-poll in one polling station in Ward 20 of Dimapur Municipal Council. He clarified that, in light of the Lok Sabha election results, the speculation surrounding the PDA's stability is merely the assumption of critics.
While politics is unpredictable, the core value of the PDA remains strong and the government is committed to providing stable and effective governance for the people of Nagaland.
Regarding expectations from the ULB election, the minister acknowledged that some people might perceive it as a test for the PDA government, which is comprised of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, these perceptions are based on a belief that the PDA is weak, he said.
Stating that the general election is still four years away, he reiterated that the alliance government remains firmly committed to the unity of the PDA.
He went on to say that every election brings its own set of issues. However, the PDA government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, has a clear agenda: the development of Nagaland.
With no opposition in the government, the PDA is not only strong but also committed to the people, and would work in every way possible to resolve issues with cohesive development of the state.
In light of the recent political developments at the national level, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing another term in office, Along stated that the Nagaland government has always been willing to facilitate a resolution to the Naga political issue and find the best possible settlement, as quickly as possible, after years of stalemate.
He stressed that both the PDA government and the NDA-led central government are eager for a positive resolution to the Naga political issue. However, he also highlighted the importance of the people's role in achieving this, while emphasising the need for the people to come together and assert themselves, building confidence in both the state and central governments to work collaboratively with all the political groups involved in the discussions.
To be able to solve the Naga Political issue, the people need to come together first. Without this, it will not be possible to reach a settlement, he asserted.
Further, he said that the state government, upon formation, immediately established a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi's leadership and the NDA government, despite the PDA's failure to secure a Member of Parliament in the recent elections.
Additionally, he said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Niephiu Rio, is committed to ensuring lasting peace, which will pave the way for development and prosperity for the people.
He also ruled out any potential reshuffle in the current government, emphasising that Rio is the ‘boss’ and any major decisions would be discussed with the central leadership in Delhi.