Dimapur, May 23 (EMN): A triumphant Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Thursday commended the voters in Nagaland for “allowing true democracy to prevail.”
In a statement, the NDPP said that the fact that counting of votes for the Lok Sabha seat went down to the wire only proves that democracy is alive in the state.
It expressed gratitude to the voters for reposing their faith in the NDPP-PDA candidates Tokheho Yepthomi and Sharingain Longkumer. “We praise the Almighty for bestowing His abundant blessings upon our candidates and the party and continue to pray that He will bless the Naga people in the days and years to come. Our victory would not have been possible without the support and sacrifice of our party rank and file, our alliance partners the BJP, JD (U) and Independent; we shall be forever be grateful to them for this victory.”
The party further lauded the Election Commission of India, the CEO and election department of Nagaland, the chief secretary and the director general of police along with the entire government machinery for the successful completion of elections.
“The NDPP also thank the opposition parties and especially the Congress candidates Mr. KL Chishi and Mr. Alemjongshi Longkumer for having given a spirited fight and we further look forward to working towards building a better Nagaland as it needs a strong opposition to maintain checks and balances in governance.”
It thanked the church, tribe hohos and NGOs for their active participation. The party congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Amit Shah and the members of BJP-led NDA for the emphatic win in the 2019 general elections.
“We look forward to working together under the dynamic and able leaderships of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The NDPP is humbled by this victory and bestow all praise to God for having led us thus far. We look forward towards building a more vibrant Nagaland with the active support and cooperation of the people.”
NPCC accepts 'heart-rending' loss
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) issued a statement saying it accepts the result of the Lok Sabha election with all humility. “Despite a
heart-rending loss by a close margin, we are grateful to the people of Nagaland who exercised their conscience in voting for INC candidate to protect our belief,
culture, traditions and way of life.”
Curiously, it made no mention of the Aonglenden by-election where it also suffered defeat, albeit by a large margin.
It thanked the NPF president, secretary general and party members for their support. “Our special gratitude goes to leader of opposition TR Zeliang and NPF legislators for their immense effort on ground together with ex candidates of NPF.”
It thanked KL Chishi, the party’s candidate, for taking the challenge to fight the Lok Sabha election; and party members for remaining steadfast in their commitment to the principles and ideologies of Indian National Congress for the past 16 years and selflessly slogging out against all odds despite meagre/nonexistent resources to bring its candidate agonisingly close to victory.
The party also congratulated TokhehoYepthomi for winning “this hard-fought parliamentary election and wish him the best while discharging his duties as MP.”
