Optimistic of NPF win in next elections
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 28: Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang has urged workers of the Naga Peoples’ front (NPF) ‘to strengthen the hands of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the effort to install non-Congress governments’ in all the north eastern states before the next Lok Sabha election in 2019.
The chief minister expressed hope that the NPF, being a major partner in the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the ‘attempt’ would be successful ‘once the north east regional parties extend their fullest support to the BJP-led NDA government, particularly in the north east region.’
Addressing a seminar organized for press secretaries of NPF candidates at the NPF central office in the capital town, the politician stated his confidence that the NPF would be able to form the next government after the 2018 state general elections.
“I am confident that with your support and the continued guidance and leadership of our party President Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, we will again form the next government,” Zeliang said. He urged party workers to ‘remain steadfast and continue to serve the people to their best capacity.’
Zeliang also advised them to be ‘the eyes and ears of the party in their respective areas and to maintain a good relations with the public.’ He also told the press secretaries and the media cell to report to the print and electronic media with ‘fairness, balance and honesty.’
Underlining the importance of the social media, the chief minister also said press secretaries should be ‘responsible users of WhatsApp, Facebook and other social applications.’ But of course, they need to ‘stand in defence of the NPF party as and when needed,’ he said.
Stating that there are some people who regularly comments negatively against the NPF party and the government, he advised the press secretaries to intervene and point out the positive aspects of the party and government.
“When you log into the internet groups and find issues worth commenting, you should stand in support of our party and the government and our leaders. This is how democracy works–some support and others oppose,” the CM explained.
With the state general elections round the corner, the chief minister also asked the media cell and press secretaries to ‘bring out the party’s achievements it had delivered to the people of Nagaland.’
Echoing similar words, the NPF’s president, Dr Shürhozelie also encouraged the press secretaries to uphold the ideology of the party and ‘defend the party wherever necessary.’
“Our party and our government are often attacked and criticized with unfounded allegations continuously by some organizations. Your job is to defend the party wherever you find the party is not wrong. If you remain silent, if you do not refute the wrong allegations, those allegations itself forms public opinion,” he said maintaining that once public opinion is formed, it takes time to bring it back to its proper track.
The NPF president also remarked that there were a few ‘divisive forces working hard to divide the people and further to create enmity among the people.’ Some of these forces have been ‘working ceaselessly creating communal feeling,’ he said.
The NPF president has asked the party’s workers to ‘play the role of peacemakers.’ The NPF party will continue to pursue their role in letter and spirit throughout its political journey, he said in assurance.
