Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 23
The discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address was held on the third day of the first session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). A major topic of discussion and debate was on the change that the PDA government has assured.
Speaking on the NDPP-BJP tagline ‘Change is coming’, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu from the opposition bench negated that some changes were already visible in Nagaland but the ‘change is not for the better but for worse.’ In Nienu’s view, change began with the swearing-in ceremony held on March 8 where a special song and a speech were delivered. According to him, “The Constitution does not allow speeches and songs during oath taking events.”
“Right after the induction, normally all Ministers are supposed to attend to their duties, however the Ministers were locked up in Hotel Vivor. This government from day one is not walking the talk-only political gimmicks,” alleged Nienu.
Stressing on the PDA government’s removal of VIP culture, Nienu pointed out that even during the Assembly sessions many of the elected members had brought their escorts. He suggested that the word ‘remove’ should be replaced with ‘minimise.’
The NPF MLA also reminded Nagas are looking for attitude, behavioral, and governance changes while pointing out the immediate and real changes that the government needs to take up are ‘system reforms, electioneering reforms, change in file movements and processing, change in appointments so that there is no nepotism.’ “All cuts and percentages should be done away with,” he asserted. “We need a system where responsibility can be fixed where we can free ourselves and our people from corruption.”
MLA Imkong L. Imchen spoke at length on the persecution of Christians in India while also highlighting the need for peace. He also questioned the one day salary deduction of government employees for the Chief Secretary Welfare Fund stating it cannot be decided by the Head of Department unless it is agreed by the employees.
Disagreeing with the statement of the Governor on the success of elections this year, MLA Yitachu from the opposition meanwhile stated the good venture of elections for citizens was misused citing the assaults and violence in various areas of Nagaland during the elections. He also termed the Governor’s address as ‘most dissatisfying and disturbing’.
