DIMAPUR, JUNE 25 (MExN): The Janata Dal United (JDU) Nagaland accused the NDPP of “poaching” its MLA Kaito G Aye along with some members of the JDU “who were swayed and lured by temporary materialistic gains.”
In a press conference today, JD (U) Nagaland president Senchumo NSN Lotha said: “We are very shocked to learn that the NDPP despite the fact that the JDU have been very sincere and loyal partner of the alliance, yet, they (NDPP) have indulged in this poaching.”
“I can guarantee you that BJP will be the next party that they will poach,” he said adding that the NDPP is trying to achieve an absolute majority.
JDU Nagaland General Secretary Kitoho S. Rotokha said that the JD (U) has not merged with the NDPP, stating that “Kaito Aye, although, elected from the JDU ticket, his heart and soul was never with the party.”
The duo stated that, on the contrary, ye had been trying to defect to BJP by meeting with Ram Madhav, BJP General Secretary in-charge of Northeast twice with a request to defect to BJP.
“Kaito expected BJP to welcome him with an open arm. However, Ram Madhav judiciously refused by asking Kaito G Aye to respect the principles of alliance and moreover not to displease Nitish Kumar. After this he began to brew an anti-party elements within the JDU by going against the National President Nitish Kumar’ stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016.He went further by trying to undermine the President and General Secretary because both these top functionaries refused to toe his line of thinking regarding the CAB,” the JD (U) alleged.
The party alleged that the Agri Minister’s decision to join the NDPP came as Nitish Kumar refused to accept the “symbolic representation offered by BJP in the NDA and decided to give outside support to the NDA.” “Kaito was hoping that JDU would be getting Cabinet ministerial berths with plum portfolios in the present NDA Government…But on learning the aforesaid development, he decided to leave the party for greener pastures,” the JD (U) stated.
It further refuted allegations been levelled against the party or its top functionaries, adding that the party finds them without merit and are not deserving of a response.
No political compulsion: Kaito
Meanwhile Agriculture Minister, Kaito Aye, who merged with the NDPP issued a statement today stating that his decision was “selfless and not out of any political compulsion.”
“There is no cause for panic or disgruntlement. I reassure the Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) partners that this decision is but to strengthen the incumbent Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and work together for Naga unity,” Aye said.
“This is my sixth term in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, and being one of the senior leaders in the state, my responsibilities go far beyond just the welfare of the people of my constituency. I owe responsibility to the people of Nagaland in ensuring a stable and progressive Government – a Government which can ensure peace and prosperity that comes with stability,” the Minister said.
He further stated that through his experiences as a Home Minister and a Political Affairs Minister with regard to the Naga political issue, “I have come to realise that there is no other option but for Nagas to come together and make a unified stand on the issues we are faced with.”
Stating that he would “work tirelessly for Naga unity and peace taking all stakeholders on board with a more holistic approach,” the Minister appealed that “any unintended statement in previous press communiqués may be overlooked, and should not be considered otherwise.”
.JPG)
