Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 19
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) spokesperson Merentoshi R Jamir today stated that the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government is functioning smoothly under an environment of stability and mutual trust.
Addressing a press conference here his evening, he rubbished the statements of opposition leader TR Zeliang and his party that there is instability in the government.
The chief minister Neiphiu Rio enjoys the support of 33 legislators who are part of the PDA, he claimed. “The PDA government is absolutely stable and the public should not be worry about instability in the government.”
On NPF’s question as to why Rio resigned from parliament to come and take over the reign of chief minister, he maintained, “They are blaming present MP bye-election on him but what option did the state have.”
After the departure of Rio to New Delhi as MP, the erstwhile NPF led DAN government totally failed and the situation necessitated him to return to the State as per the desire of the people, Jamir said.
“In view of this there was a need for strong leadership to take over the government. Therefore, Rio along with NDPP party came together and today we have formed the government,” he asserted. Questioning the leadership of Rio does not arise, he added.
On NPF attacking BJP
Jamir said NPF has suddenly become very critical of the BJP without recalling it had been in alliance with the BJP for the last 15 years. He charged that the NPF has been playing double- standard politics.
He said the NPF has no moral right to criticize neither the PDA government nor the NDPP, adding “NPF’s rhetoric is a clear sign of double-standard politics.”
Having failed to secure an alliance with the BJP despite “desperate attempts” after the recent State general assembly, he alleged, the NPF president and his colleagues became critical of the BJP and started playing the communal card.
“The contradictory opinions and claims of the NPF leadership since last year proves that their present tirade against the BJP and the NDPP are purely political vindictiveness since the BJP chose to ally with the NDPP and not the NPF although it was the ruling party at the time,” he said.
Anti VIP culture
The NDPP spokesperson further noted that after coming to power, the PDA government took several initiatives to do away with VIP culture.
He pointed out that during NPF’s time, numerous party functionaries including its working presidents and secretary general were given cabinet status in various government positions. Also, the DAN chairman and vice chairman were accorded highest status along with government facilities, government staff, escorts and pilots thereby putting a massive strain and burden on the state exchequer, he said.
“The members of the PDA have only been accorded status but no government privileges unlike the NPF’s functionaries,” he claimed, adding “our initiative against VIP culture has been well received by the people and will continue in the interest of the people of Nagaland.”
PDA is the single largest entity
Also refuting the claim of TR Zeliang on the issue of single largest party, he said the NDPP-BJP pre-poll alliance won a combined number of 30 seats (NDPP- 18 & BJP-12) and clearly emerged as the single largest party in the 60-member house. NPF won 26 seats.
After the elections, JD (U) and NPP which are allies with BJP in the NDA government at the Centre, along with the lone Independent legislator also extended support to the NDPP-BJP, he reminded.
On Zeliang’s statement that he will stake claim to form the government, Jamir highlighted the Justice Sarkaria Commission report on the Centre-State relations with emphasis on Chapter 4- Role of Governor.
He said due process has been followed in the installation of the PDA government.
“It was absolutely clear that the NDPP- BJP pre-poll alliance was the single largest entity. The numbers has proved majority with victory in 34 seats and it is further proved in the vote share.”
Jamir further said former Chief Minister TR Zeliang “should know that the NDPP is a registered, recognized political party having strong regional ideology and identity with the people being the real stakeholders and the true high command of the party.”
Stating that the NDPP is carrying out its activities in true regional spirit, he added, “We will never undermine the public with lies and propaganda. The NDPP will continue to work tirelessly in line with its motto Facta non Verba or Deeds, not Words.”
