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DIMAPUR — The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) launched its campaign for the 2024 general election to the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland on Monday with a call for unity.
At the launch programme held in Sovima, Chümoukedima, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, expressed gratitude to all political parties for their support in maintaining a stable government in the state.
He said that the legislators were brought together under an opposition-less government because of their commitment to resolving the Naga political issue.
Reflecting on the alliance with the BJP since 2003, he said that Nagaland is a proud partner with the central ruling government, and the state is progressing in development activities and the empowerment of the youth, especially in the sports sector.
Taking the example of the recently concluded North East Games where Nagaland finished in second place, he said the state’s youth have been working with determination.
Terming the youth as the ‘real assets’, he called on the opposition-less government to rededicate itself to harnessing their potential as well as provide platforms and opportunities to empower the youth and propel Nagaland towards becoming a vibrant state.
Rio went on to state that working with the BJP is an opportunity for the state to foster peace, unity and development. Though Nagaland is small in size, it is of strategic importance in the Act East Policy, and as such, the government is proposing the establishment of a new global city in Nagaland to serve as a business hub for Southeast Asia, he added.
On economy
Pointing out that the society often neglects discussions about the economy, he emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of the state, district, community, family, and individual economic dynamics.
He also stressed the importance of transitioning from a consumer society to a ‘producing society,’ while mentioning that various schemes for farmers and entrepreneurs have been implemented with transparency and accountability to foster economic development. According to the chief minister, in the Nagaland GST register, there are approximately 12,000 entrepreneurs, with the majority being outsiders. Local entrepreneurs represent less than 50% of this total.
‘Murry should win by huge margin’
Regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha election, Rio expressed confidence in the PDA consensus candidate, Dr. Chumben Murry, while highlighting the unity among political parties in supporting his candidacy.
He said that Murry is a competent and ‘best possible candidate’, who will listen to the people’s voice and speak Naga issues in the Parliament. Mentioning that this is the first time all the 60 MLAs are supporting one candidate, he said the consensus candidate should win the election by a huge margin.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton echoed Rio’s sentiments and urged party workers to ensure victory for its candidate with a significant margin. He maintained that the BJP, despite winning the solid majority, will never undermine alliance partners.
Meanwhile, Murry thanked the chief minister and the coalition partners for their support, stating that their coming together is not just a show of strength but also a show of unity.
He underscored the importance of unity among all sections of society for Nagaland to progress and pledged to voice the concerns of the people in the Parliament if elected.
Naga People’s Front MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu expressed gratitude for the support from the central government while emphasising the need for unity in achieving the Naga solution. He expressed hope that Murry would voice out for the Nagas.
BJP national spokesperson and in-charge of Nagaland, Nalin Kohli, said that Nagaland needs peace, development and prosperity, adding that it is time for the state to join the main stream in a big way.
He also highlighted the talent in the state, particularly in the sport sector, saying that opportunities are presenting itself and the Naga people should work together to seize them.
Short speeches were also delivered by MLAs representing various political parties, including Picto Shohe, Dr. Sukhato Sema, Lima Onen Chang, Jwenga Seb and Dr. Neisatuo Mero.