Dimapur, May 22 (EMN): The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government alliance parties continue with its campaign in districts for the by-election to the Lok Sabha Nagaland Parliamentary.
The chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, addressing a massive gathering at the Market Complex in Tamlu town on May 22, appealed to the gathering to give their valuable mandate to the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate, so that he will represent them at the Centre.
Rio said the sentiment of Nagas have been hurt very much because of some selfish leaders who have destroyed the society. He urged the people not to be deceived by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) propaganda but to know the truth about the history of the party.
A press release was received on Tuesday from the NDPP media & communication committee informing about the event.
The Bharatiya Janata Party of Nagaland president, Visasolie Lhoungu in his address said that the PDA have set a strong stable government in Nagaland under the leadership of Rio, whom he described as the tallest Naga leader. He said ‘the need of the hour is to send a strong, vibrant and seasoned leader to represent the Nagas in the Parliament of India so that together they can work for the welfare and political cause of the Nagas.’
The president rubbished the NPF talk of the BJP being a religion centric party saying, “...nobody can take away your religion from you.” He further appealed the voters to vote for the PDA consensus candidate, Tokheho Yepthomi.
On TR Zeliang’s statement the ‘PDA days are numbered,’ Tokheho Yepthomi pointed out the instability of the previous government and stated that ‘when TR Zeliang was the Chief Minister, MLAs were made to sleep on the floor of the chief minister’s house, which is uncommon and unethical.’
In regard to his candidature for the upcoming by-election, Yepthomi assured that if elected he will work to do his best and do what is necessary in the interest of the Nagas and in line with the party’s policies and directives particularly with regard to the Naga political issue.
‘PDA leadership is in safe hands’
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 22 (EMN): Asserting that ‘PDA leadership is in safe hands’, the Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) member, Kevisekho Kruse has called upon all not to be misled by the ‘exaggerated, untruthful and irresponsible propagandas’ but extend support to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership and vote for the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) alliance parties.
Reiterating that the PDA government is committed to bring change in the government functioning systems aimed at taking the Naga society to a higher level in all respect, Kruse affirmed that a stable and efficient run government will gradually stabilize the state’s economy and benefits will be reaped by the common people.
Kruse was speaking at the PDA campaign programme for the by-election to the Lok Sabha Nagaland Parliamentary constituency at APO hall in Kohima May 22. The campaign was organized by the 8th western Angami.
Kruse said Tokheho Yepthomi, a consensus candidate of the PDA is a well experienced politician with proven credentials as being a principled and visionary Naga leader who bring changes wherever he goes.
Placing high hope that he would win with a huge margin, Kruse described Yepthomi as a courageous and patriotic Naga who will not compromise Naga interest with anyone.
Stating that the on-going peace talk vis-a-vis the Naga political problem involving the seven NNPGs has reached a critical stage, which he described as a ‘huge opportunity as well as danger.’ However, he said with the strong NDA government at the centre and immediate neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh presents an unprecedented opportunity for the central government to work out a solution that’s is honourable and acceptable to the Naga.
Given the congenial conditions, Kruse maintained that it is not only an opportunity for the Nagas but for the entire people of Northeastern region of India for a dispensation of peace to arrive. He expressed confidence that Yepthomi will represent the Nagas in the Parliament at this juncture to help bring about a solution.
Also speaking in the programme, Advisor for Rural Development Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, aid ‘we are not here to fight election on tribal lines’ and told that it is up-to the people if they would vote for the candidate of the ruling party and work together for the people of the state.
He challenged the gathering if they want to be with the ruling party or with the opposition. He also reminded the people that it is important to vote for a candidate with experienced and who have true concern to work for the Naga people for its future generations.
Others who spoke include Kekhrie Yhome, Neivikuolie Khatsü and Prasielie Pienyü. One of the speaker slammed the comment of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu at a campaign who reportedly said ‘If you are a Christian vote for Apok Jamir and if you are a Hindu vote for Tokheho Yepthomi’ as a violation of election code of conduct.
This communal comment, he said is a clear sign of the desperation and frustration of the party and urged the people not to be carried away by such propagandas.
Also, a joint rally of the PDA partners comprising of BJP, NDPP, NPP, JD (U) and Independent was conducted at GHSS ground in Jalukie on May 22. A press release received on Tuesday from the BJP media cell informed about the event.
Addressing the rally, Advisor for I&FC Namri Nchang, said that after the breakup of ties between the NPF and the BJP, the former started ‘backbiting and attacking the PDA alliance as a communal and ant-Christian alliance in the state.’
He rejected the NPF statement made during the previous rally in Jalukie and substantiated it by saying that ‘Nagas will never compromise with one’s faith.’
“NPF hypocrisy started the moment the PDA alliance cemented,” he said.
Despite many contenders seeking for the Lok Sabha ticket, the PDA consensus candidate, Tokheho Yepthomi was chosen by the alliance partners compromising of the NDPP, BJP, JD (U), NPP and Independent because of his vast political experience, who rose up from the grass root level, Nchang explained. Yepthomi, he said would serve the state better as the ruling party representative in the parliament to address the Naga political solution than someone from the opposition bench.
Advisor NDPP Neiba Ndang is stated to have exposed the ‘misgovernance, non-performance and blatant corruption of the previous regime which ultimately led to the NPF’s downfall.’
Ndang said ‘the opposition main poll plank this by-election seems to be targeting only Chief Minister Neiphu Rio and forgetting other campaign agendas.’ He also passed the judgment stating that the NPF party criticized the PDA government for nominating party functionaries in various capacities forgetting the previous regime led by the NPF DAN government, wherein majority of the NPF functionaries were enjoying the facilities with perks, salaries and vehicles with attached security akin to cabinet status.
The NDPP Central women wing vice president, Abea Mero spoke on women and youth empowerment and developing Peren district as a destination for organic farming .She appealed to the audience to vote for the PDA consensus candidate.
Senior BJP member, K James Vizo, conveyed greeting on behalf of the state President Visazolie Lhonghu and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.
