Morung Express News
Kohima | July 22
If the NPF is the “identity of the Nagas” and “represents the ideology of the Nagas,” can it be said that the Nagas have elected the leaders they deserve?
Bringing ideological matters to public debate, candidates to the 10 Northern Angami I Assembly Constituency by-elections came together under a ‘Common Platform’ hosted by the Bayavü Area Panchayat (BAP) here today. Held at the colony’s indoor stadium in a run up to the by-election to the constituency, it invited the contestants, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü (NPF) and Kekhrie Yhome (Independent) to the platform.
Much to the disappointment of the audience, Dr. Liezietsü did not attend owing to another meeting but was represented by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.
“You must know what your vote can do, you must know which party and ideology you are voting for and how this can change society,” said Azo while highlighting the former Chief Minister’s achievements in his four months and 28 days term as CM. Maintaining punctuality and discipline, as well as ordering a probe into the MKR Pillai case and the PDS scam, were some of them.
“Today, NPF is the identity of the Nagas. It represents the ideology of the Nagas,” he asserted while sharing the history of the regional party. He extended support to the NBCC’s clean election campaign but also questioned its “practicality.”
Kekhrie Yhome also appealed to the power of the voter. “Public leader is not a contract. You elect the leaders you deserve,” said Yhome, speaking in Nagamese. This will be Yhome’s first foray into politics with an aspiration to initiate change in Naga society. His focus, if elected, would be to make sure that LADP funds are brought to the colony where people will decide what needs to be done with it.
On the importance of allegiance to a political party, Yhome pointed out that in elections, many are not clear on who they are supporting, and therefore stated, “Be truthful to where you stand. Do it with pride, boldness and confidence. You are under no threat to say what you like.”
“Your vote is sacrosanct. Cast for the representative you want,” he concluded. BAP Chairperson Khinyi Woch said that the purpose of the common platform is for candidates to share their political vision with the electorate (colony members) thereby affecting a change from ‘dirty election system of money and muscle power to a people mandate leader.’
