Says will go ahead with election process if CCNTHCO fails to clarify BJP’s position
Dimapur, January 30 (MExN): Reacting to the suspension of two BJP officials for signing the agreement “not to issue tickets or file nomination for the state Assembly Elections” during the meeting convened by the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on January 29, the Nagaland unit of National People’s Party (NPP) today stated “it has brought great confusion to us whether BJP truly stand for the solution.” NPP Nagaland State in a statement from its IPR secretary asserted it stands committed to the agreement signed; “however, if the CCNTHCO fails to clarify the position of BJP on this issue before February 2, 2018, NPP will have no other option but to go ahead with the election process.” The suspension of two BJP executive members, NPP said, “indicates that the BJP has not honoured the call of the public and that is tantamount to withdrawal from the historic agreement which was attended by 11 political parties, NSCN (IM), NNPGs consisting of 6 groups besides tribal Hohos and civil organisations.” It noted NPP Nagaland State president had categorically stated in the meeting that representatives of national political parties like BJP or Congress cannot sign the agreement if they are not authorised by the respective party high command. “Yet BJP signed and their representatives have been suspended.” NPP affirmed it wants a “distinct answer” from the CCNTHCO on “Solution not election” by clarifying their position if some parties continue with the electioneering process. “NPP fears the repetition of the 1998 political crisis, when some organizations boycotted the election and Congress Party formed the government. NPP is also ready to withhold the election process and the filing of the nominations if all the political parties come under one consensus of deferring the 13th Legislative Assembly Election in the State,” the statement added.
