Rio is NDPP’s candidate for CM

Joined NDPP in interest of early solution, claims Lok Sabha MP

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 18 (MExN): A day after formally joining the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the party today officially declared MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio as their Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly polls.  

This was decided in a party meeting today, informed a press note from the NDPP.  

The NDPP, in a press note assured the people that “the party will make all efforts to facilitate the peace process and work towards early resolution of the Indo-Naga political dialogue in order to realize a solution that is honorable, sustainable and acceptable to the people.”  

The MP meanwhile issued a statement of his own explaining his reasons for joining the NDPP.  

In a press note today, Rio said that the NDPP leaders highlighted the fact that the party was formed to bring positive change, transparency in governance and progressive development. “The party leaders also declared that the NDPP is committed towards supporting the peace process and contribute towards realization of early solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio in an honorable, sustainable and acceptable manner. I, therefore, accepted the invitation, and joined the NDPP,” he explained.  

“I have always been a supporter of the Indo-Naga peace process and have tirelessly worked for early realization of a political solution that is honorable, sustainable and acceptable to the people. The signing of the Framework Agreement under the present NDA Government was an important milestone in the peace process and I have joined all sections in welcoming the initiative while giving my best efforts for further strengthening the peace process in an inclusive manner,” the MP added.  

He claimed that the present political scenario in Nagaland is such that the ruling NPF party in Nagaland “has decided to sever ties with the BJP, which is leading the NDA Government at the Centre.” This political decision, according to Rio, is in contravention of the NPF party’s earlier stand of supporting the peace process and to play the role of facilitator.  

“It is under such political circumstances that I have been left with no option but to resign from the NPF in accordance of the wishes of the people and in the greater interest of the masses in our collective endeavor to bring early political solution,” Rio stated.  

“My decision to leave the NPF has been taken so that I can continue to work towards realization of early political solution and to remain committed to the NDA Government’s plan of bringing political solution and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda,” he added.