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Neiphiu Rio and Vikho-o Yhoshü[/caption]
Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Feb. 17 (EMN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party’s (NDPP) chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio on Sat. did not mince words in blaming the (sorry) state of affairs in Nagaland in regard to development during the past four years, on Chief Minister TR Zeliang and the Naga People’s Front’s (NPF) president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu.
Rio, a three-time chief minister who abdicated his seat in 2014 to become a member of the Lok Sabha, said that the ‘opposition-less’ government under his successors Zeliang and Liezietsu, mismanaged the state. It betrayed the people with their ‘corruption-loving’ ways and lack of vision for Nagaland and its citizens, it was alleged.
Speaking at the election campaign of NDPP candidate for 14th Southern Angami-I assembly constituency Vikho-o Yhoshü at Kigwema village in Kohima village, Rio said that in the absence of an opposition in the assembly, funds sanctioned for development—roads and infrastructure—did not reach the targeted beneficiaries. This resulted in turning the public in the opposition, to play said role, he asserted.
Also, he said that Liezietsu had been making claims at public platforms that the NDPP was not a recognized party and thus without weight. Rio said it was unbecoming of someone of Liezietsu’s age and stature to make such statements. He told the public gathering that the NDPP was formed by likeminded leaders who came together with great concern that the NPF-led government and leadership was not running on the right track. This necessitated formation of a new party to expedite the peace process and ‘deliver ideal governance’ to the Naga people. He said that the NDPP was launched on 17 May 2017 and was registered with the Election Commission of India on Oct. 13. The party’s symbol—a globe—was approved on Dec. 16.
Further, Rio ridiculed the NPF allegedly for ‘being indecisive’ when it came to its alliance with the BJP. He said that the NPF was unable to make up its mind: it had been in an alliance with the BJP for the past 15 years but decided to sever ties in July 2017. Again, it decided in Jan. to pursue the alliance for the forthcoming election but failed to agree to a seat-sharing arrangement. When the BJP decided to forge an alliance with the NDPP, the NPF was now referring to the BJP on ‘communal terms,’ he said. Rio also alleged that Zeliang and Liezietsu had been feeding the people with deception—the issue of educational qualification of the former, and promises of a reconciliation while backstabbing others.
He said that during the past four years, the duo ruled as chief ministers but no development was visible as they ‘kept development funds to themselves to entice voters.’ He alleged that they were also funding some National People’s Party candidates in a bid to sabotage the BJP-NDPP alliance.
Nonetheless, the former chief minister expressed confidence that the alliance would emerge victorious in the ensuing assembly elections. He expressed confidence that the constituency would elect a ‘strong and able leader’ like Yhoshü to see to the NDPP coming to power to bring about positive changes in the society.
Meanwhile, Yhoshü acknowledged in his brief address the constituency for electing him to represent them in the 60-member assembly for two terms. He admitted that during the previous tenure not much could be done for the constituency due to instability of the government then. He appealed to the electorate that if they elected him again, he would ensure bringing positive changes under the ‘visionary leadership’ of Rio.
