40:20 seat-sharing formula intact: Nagaland CM

Morung Express News
Kohima, January 17

Following the indication made by the Assam Chief Minister and the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Convenor, Himanta Biswa Sarma on seat sharing between NDDP and BJP in the upcoming election is yet to be finalised, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the present 40:20 formula is intact.

However, he also stated, “BJP is the high command party, so whatever decisions they would like to take it in Delhi, that is that, otherwise, besides that there is nothing.”

Speaking to the media persons on the sideline of a programme in Meriema village on January 17, Rio also informed that he would be leaving for Delhi in a day or two for a meeting with the central leaders.

On the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) issue, Rio indicated the ongoing discussions as ‘quite positive.”

‘Solution dependent on negotiators’

“Any outcome should be positive,” he simply responded, when prodded to elaborate on the   ‘positive.’

Against the backdrop of the crucial meeting of the Civil Society Organisation being held on Tuesday, Rio said, “Everybody wants solution, but that will depend on the negotiating parties, not the general public.” Nonetheless, he said the general public can put pressure and even the 60 NLA members as facilitators are putting pressure and reasoning with everybody. 

Yet, the ultimate outcome will be the negotiating parties, he underscored. 

On the demand for solution and not election, Rio maintained that “we cannot create a constitutional crisis and kind of law and order problem” adding that all right thinking people should pursue by the rules.

When queried on the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s visit to Nagaland, he informed that there has been no update.