The NDPP nominee and the PDA coalition’s consensus candidate for the lone Nagaland Parliamentary seat at the launch of the PAD’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on March 25, in Sovima village, Chümoukedima. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 25
The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), on March 25, officially kicked-off the electioneering for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The NDPP has nominated Dr Chumben Murry, a one-time Cabinet Minister in the DAN-2 regime of current Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, as the PDA consensus candidate for the lone Nagaland Parliamentary seat.
The campaign launch saw the PDA partners - NDPP, BJP, NCP, National Peoples’ Party, LJP (Ram Vilas), Naga People’s Front (NPF), RPI (Athawale), JD(U) and Independent legislators and supporters gathering in Sovima village, Chümoukedima.
“This ticket has the stamp of all the political parties in the assembly. This is a historic occasion. It is a first in the history of the state to have a Lok Sabha candidate getting the support of all the 60 MLAs. It is not only a show of strength but a show of unity,” said Dr Murry displaying the nomination ticket issued by the NDPP.
Terming it an unparalleled display of concord among all elected members in the Assembly, Dr Murry said that such display of unity is needed among all Nagas.
While the Congress is putting up a brave front by using the religion card, he claimed that, in reality, he has the support of the 60 members and the electorate.
As a politician, he said that he has to be realistic and be on the winning side under the NDA banner led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, “Nagaland cannot develop without a solution to the Naga issue.” He added that beginning with the NDA, under the late Atal Behari Vajpayee and currently, under Modi, has been instrumental in recognising the Naga issue that resulted in the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position.
The Naga youths have to grab the opportunities provided by the present “because tomorrow is yours.” “Please cast your vote for me. I will be proud to represent you,” he said.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio vested confidence in the coalition having chosen a capable candidate in the form of Dr Murry. “Once he is elected, I trust him that he will listen to the voice of the people and speak in Parliament on the people’s behalf,” he said.
He was hopeful of the 60 elected members agreeing to support one candidate will serve to build a platform for resolving many other issues. “We have many agenda, policy and commitment but what brought us together is the wish to resolve the Naga Political issue,” he said.
He termed Modi as a Prime Minister, who has not only led in developing the country but also leading the country to an all new level, earning India respect in the global playground.
According to him, allying with the BJP for over 20 years has been an opportunity to return peace in the state and taking development opportunities. He said that it has been an opportunity to be working with a party that still decided to ally with the smallest of parties despite it having the support base to command absolute majority.
Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton said that, while a win for Dr Murry was assured, the win margin has to be wide unlike in 2019. “We are confident but last time, we nearly lost. We won by only 16,000 votes. We must win by a margin of 5-6 lakh votes this time,” he said.
