Realisation of early political solution; Committed to Modi's development agenda
Dimapur, Jan. 18 (EMN): The lone Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and former chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday stated that his decision to join the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party was taken to enable him to work for early political solution by being committed to the NDA Government's plan of bringing political solution.
He also affirmed that he is committed to the NDA government's development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He announced this through a press note a day after his sudden move to resign from the Naga People's Front and join the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party.
"My decision to leave the NPF has been taken so that I can continue to work towards realization of early political solution and to remain committed to the NDA Government's plan of bringing political solution and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi' s development agenda," he stated.
He also apprised that he always has been a supporter of the current peace process and copntinued to worked for an early settlement that is honourable and acceptable to all. Towards this end he stated that he welcomed the Framework Agreement of 2015 that was signed under the present NDA government at the Centre. However the decision of the ruling NPF party to sever ties with the BJP, which he states is against the NPF party's earlier stand of supporting the peace process led to his decision to resign from the party.
" I have always been a supporter of the Indo-Naga peace process and have tirelessly worked for early realization of a political solution that is honorable, sustainable and acceptable to the people. The signing of the Framework Agreement under the present NDA Government was an important milestone in the peace process and I have joined all sections in welcoming the initiative while giving my best efforts for further strengthening the peace process in an inclusive manner.
The present political scenario in Nagaland is such that the ruling NPF party in Nagaland has decided to sever ties with the BJP, which is leading the NDA Government at the Centre. This political decision is in contravention of the NPF party's earlier stand of supporting the peace process and to play the role of facilitator. It is under such political circumstances that I have been left with no option but to resign from the NPF in accordance of the wishes of the people and in the greater interest of the masses in our collective endeavour to bring early political solution," he stated.
The NDPP leaders on the other hand were committed to the peace process and so it he accepted the offer to join theparty.
"The NDPP leaders highlighted the fact that the NDPP was formed to bring positive change, transparency in governance and progressive development. The party leaders also declared that the NDPP is committed towards supporting the peace process and contribute towards realization of early solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio in an honourable, sustainable and acceptable manner. I, therefore, accepted the invitation, and joined the NDPP," he added.
The MP also expressed his appreciation to all his supporters and well wishers for being on his side and assured his continued commitment for the service of the people.
The Central Executive Board (CEB) of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party(NDDP) while welcoming Neiphiu Rio to the party on Thursday named his as the chief ministerial candidate for the forthcoming assembly elections.
A press statement from the party informed of the CEB's meeting and the subsequent resolutions that were adopted.
" All rank and file of the NDPP wholeheartedly welcomed the decision of the honorable MP (Lok Sabha) and former Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio to join the NDPP. Mr. Neiphiu Rio will be the Chief Ministerial candidate of the NDPP. "
The CEB also endorsed the newly joined Rio, party president Chingwang Konyak and secretary general Abu Metha to work out the modalities of alliance with the Bhartiya Janata party.
It also resolved to make all efforts to facilitate the peace process and work towards 'early resolution of the Indo-Naga political dialogue' to ensure a solution that is 'honorable, sustainable and acceptable to the people'.
