PDA reaffirms strong alliance

PDA alliance leaders on stage during their election campaign kickoff event in Dimapur on March 19. (Photo by Soreishim Mahong)

PDA alliance leaders on stage during their election campaign kickoff event in Dimapur on March 19. (Photo by Soreishim Mahong)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 19 

The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) campaign launch for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls held on Tuesday at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur has reaffirmed its alliance with all constituent partners, maintaining that the alliance was firm and remained optimistic that NDA would return to power at the centre.

The launching campaign for PDA’s consensus candidate for LS, Tokheho Yepthomi was attended by members of the Nationalist Progressive Democratic Party (NDPP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), JD (U) - Janata Dal (United), and National People’s Party (NPP). 

Addressing a large gathering, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio asserted that the PDA alliance was strong and has been smoothly functioning for the last one year. He pointed out that several departments received awards of being the best in various categories during the last one year. He attributed such recognitions to a stable government and peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the state. 

The Chief Minister further stated that the actions of the Indian government post-Pulwama attack had enhanced the image of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the country in the eyes of the world. With the enhanced image, he expressed hope that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would return to power. 

On the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Rio said that the PDA was “clear and firm that Article 371 A can protect the Nagas.” In this connection, he lambasted the Naga People’s Front for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, and yet not attending the January 31, 2019 meeting at Chümoukedima and also for walking out of the Assembly when the House was about to pass a resolution to reject the CAB. He claimed that NPF was in confusion and that there was constant infighting within the party. 

Rio, meanwhile, described Yepthomi as a senior and experienced leader and reminded the people that the sitting MP had raised the Naga issue in the Parliament during his short stint in the LS.

MP Tokheho, meanwhile, said that settlement of the Naga political issue would be his top priority if elected. On the issue of CAB, he reiterated that he was not present when the voting took place in the LS. 

“We do not need CAB in Nagaland but other states need it,” he added, taking a jibe at the opposition members that they were still making it an issue even as the CAB had lapsed in the Parliament.

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP’s legislator Y Patton maintained that the PDA alliance was firm and appealed to the electorate of the state to vote for the PDA consensus candidate. He also assured that all the 12 assembly seats in the state with as BJP’s MLAs would vigorously work for thumping majority in favour of Tokheho.

On the issue of CAB, Patton said, “I assure you that Nagaland and northeast will not be affected by the CAB.” 

“We (BJP) are here to protect the citizens of Nagaland.” 

Minister for Agriculture, G. Kaito Aye said that the PDA government was committed to extending facilities to all nooks and corners of the state. The JD (U) member, however, added that the people had to sail together and work hand in hand. He also said that the PDA would protest against the CAB in the interest of the people of the state.

NDPP President and PDA Chairman, Chingwang Konyak said that the PDA government was stable and appealed for the support of the people towards ushering in peace and prosperity in the state.

Advisor for Industries & Commerce and NPP’s Imnatiba stated it was the responsibility of all PDA members to strengthen the stability of the government.