Lampoons rivals' prediction of government fall
Dimapur, Oct. 27 (EMN): The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the spokesperson of the NPF Legislator party Tokheho Yepthomi has on Friday issued a reply to the rival DAN Coordination Committee led by Kuzholuzo Neinu that demand that Noke Wangnao DAN Chairman, to prove support by parties.
He stated that the DAN Legislature Party in a meeting held on July 26, 2017, unanimously elected Shri Noke Wangnao as Chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN).
"His candidature was proposed by Shri Imtilemba (BJP), Minister for Cooperation, R&R, MARCOFED, which was seconded by Shri SI Jamir (NPF), Adviser (Urban Development) and Er Levi Rengma (IND), Parliamentary Secretary (Housing) in the presence of Shri Visasolie Lhoungu, President of BJP Nagaland State Unit. Therefore, it is without an iota of doubt that Shri Noke Wangnao is the Chairman of DAN which comprises of 36 NPF, 4 BJP and 7 Independent MLAs," he stated.
He further clarified that the BJP led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre is a conglomeration of parties but the he group led by Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu had "viciously severed ties with the BJP and the NDA on July 18, 2017" and so cannot claim to be part of the NDA.
"Shri Azo Nienu claims to be the DAN Chairman supposedly supported by the NCP and JD (U). These parties do not have a single MLA or party organisation in the State. Therefore, there should not be any confusion about Shri Noke Wangnao being the DAN Chairman," he added.
On the issue of the latest ECI order he stated that the commission has clearly stated is yet to adjudicate the matter and instead directed to hold a general convention to try solve the matter internally. Therefore he stated that it will be better for both the groups to "restrain ourselves and wait for the ECI’s verdict".
He also alleged and condemned the Liezietsu's group of using "undemocratic means" to threaten the speaker to disqualify the 36 MLAs, recognise Neinu as the leader of the legislature party and also recognise Yitachu as the chief whip.
He urged that the office of the speaker is a constitutional post and the wisdom and integrity of the office should not be challenged by any individual.
He reminded the rival group that they should not make the same mistake when the former Speaker Chotisuh was "forced" to disqualify 3 BJP MLAs in Aug 2014 but the disqualification was quashed by the Gauhati High Court.
"It is clear that Dr. Shürhozelie forced Chotisuh to disqualify the BJP MLAs fearing that the BJP will disturb the government if their number increases and hence, they should realise their mistake and refrain from repeating the same," he stated.
He also stated that Yitachu has said that Speaker can be impeached and so prompted the Lieziersu's group that it they had found any fault, they should not have had any second thoughts and should have moved for impeachment of the speaker. "We challenge them to do so if their contentions are valid".
With regard to the ECI directing to hold the General Convention, it should be understood that the dispute is not over and that despite allegations and counter allegations, case has been filed for hearing which is pending. Paragraph 8 of the ECI’s Order dated 17/10/2017 clearly states and I quote, “Until such recourse has been exhausted, it would not be fit for the Commission to adjudicate the matter.” Therefore, it is better for both groups to restrain ourselves and wait for the ECI’s verdict
On the other groups allegation against the governor and the government of running an ''unconstitutional' government he corrected that no government in the county is run without following the constitution. He also took a jibe at the prediction of the other group that the government headed by Shri TR Zeliang, Hon’ble "will fall on September 21st, 2017 and/or October 25th, 2017" and instead stated that "these are misleading and ignorant statements". He added that the people are the best judge as to know "whether there is a government in Nagaland or not, contrary to the predictions of Dr. Shürhozelie’s group".
