Participants at the ‘Common Platform Speech’ organised by Khaghaboto Area Students’ Union on February 21. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Khaghaboto | February 21
The Khaghaboto Area Students’ Union (KASU) today went ahead with its scheduled ‘Common Platform Speech’ for the five contending candidates from 4 Ghaspani-I AC, despite oppositions from some sections of the society. KASU under the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s (NBCC) Clean Election Movement and as per the directive of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) had organised this event.
Out of the five candidates, only two- Congress’ Akavi N Zhimomi and independent candidate, V Phushika Aomi turned up to address the people, which was held at public ground, Khaghaboto town. Those who did not take part in the event were BJP’s Jacob Zhimomi, NPF’s Vikato S Aye, and JD (U)’s Imsumongba Pongen.
Vote for change
Addressing the public, Akavi N Zhimomi stated that he is here to represent the people, irrespective of differences, to fight for their rights and bring change that everyone is hoping for. And to make that happen, Zhimomi stressed on the importance of voting, that the choice made on the day of voting is a fundamental right which nobody can question or take away, and “your vote will decide your future.”
Taking a jibe at the incumbent Minister on the poor road condition and lack of basic amenities in the headquarters, Zhimomi questioned what the ‘candidate of the area’ had been doing for the last ten years.
He asked the people to vote for change and understand that if they are not able to rise up this time, it might be too late. Zhimomi said that it was now up to the public of this day, so that they would have a chance to tell their children that ‘you voted for change.’
He was optimistic that a candidate who is firm on the Clean Election Movement will go down in the history of Indian political system, were he elected by the people. Realising that to change the corrupt system, one need to be in the legislative assembly, Zhimomi said this was his sole reason of joining politics.
With 1200 recognised villages in Nagaland, he said that various schemes for the upliftment of the villages and the people are available and promised to implement these schemes fairly, if he was given a chance. He urged the public to chase away those who come to buy votes, but also suggested that if they choose, they can take the money and still not vote for those people as they are not bounded by any agreement. However, he underscored that he would not buy a single vote.
Zhimomi also promised that if he wins this time, he would not differentiate between those who voted for him and those who did not, as he is “committed to bringing about change.”
Breaking barriers and nurturing roots
With a clear objective of ‘breaking barriers and nurturing roots,’ independent candidate, V Phushika Aomi stated that he is fighting the election to break barriers that divide people in the name of tribe, clan and family. “I am against tribalism, which is a cancerous thing in our small Naga society and we have to diffuse it.”
He mentioned that he spent his youth standing for common interest, particularly the welfare of the youth, and that he has always stood his ground, never shying away from facing the truth. He has a vision of transforming society and hold people accountable who have misused public money, if elected, Aomi said.
Commenting on him being listed among the richest candidates in the State, Aomi stated that he has taken into consideration everything without hiding anything, and put them in writing, “which is why the media has listed me among the richest candidates.”
Aomi also raised the issue of why there is no polling station in Khaghaboto despite it being the headquarters of the constituency and shared his dream of transforming Ghaspani I, the biggest constituency in the state. He believed that if this constituency is transformed, the whole Nagaland can be transformed.
“Change should come from top to bottom in Nagaland, and not bottom-up,” Aomi stated, and pledged to work as a missionary and bring transformation to the constituency.
‘Decision is now in our hands’
During the event, the headmaster of Government High School, Khaghaboto which is located in the vicinity of the venue also told the public that “the decision is now in our hands.” He urged the people to vote sensibly, and asked them not to blame the MLAs after the people themselves elect a wrong leader and suffer from the wrong choices they have been making. “They have already given us a hard choice, so let us select the best of the best,” he added.
