Morung Express News
Kohima | March 23
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio appreciating Governor, La. Ganesan today described him as a “seasoned leader and well known personality” who has made positive contributions to public life in various capacities stretching across decades.
“We are indeed fortunate to have a person of his calibre and experience to come as our Governor and we look forward to his guidance and advice in the coming months and years in the service of the people” stated Rio.
He also thanked the citizens of the State and the electorate for reposing faith in his government and giving a commendable victory to the People’s Democratic Alliance.
“We are grateful to God and humbled by this victory,” said Rio adding that the overwhelming mandate encourages them to work with renewed vigour in the collective endeavour to serve the citizens of the State.
Rio also thanked Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and all central leaders who joined in the election campaign and connected with citizens of Nagaland.
“Our campaign was a movement that engaged with all sections of the people in a dignified manner and we ensured that we observed respectable decorum while at the same time created a positive connect between people belonging to all sections and also brought the mainland closer to our State,” he added.
Appreciating the presence of Modi and Shah during the swearing-in-ceremony, Rio said, it was a historic landmark and the first time that the Prime Minister of the Country attended the swearing-in-ceremony. “It shows the concern of the Central Government and the present dispensation in New Delhi towards the Naga people.”
Rio also appreciated the Election Commission of India, State Election Department and all the government agencies, including the administration and police for conducting a peaceful and successful general election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
With a voting percentage of 88.07%, the CM commended the civil societies, mass based organisations, tribal hohos, church organisations, NGOs and all other stakeholders for making positive contributions towards a successful election process.
“Once again, Nagaland has shown the world that we believe in democracy and our citizens continue to contribute towards the nation building process by strengthening the foundations of democracy in the world’s largest democratic country,” stated Rio.
Congratulating all his 59 colleagues who have won the mandate of the people and are now members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio also added that it has created history by electing two women, Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu Kense.
With 29 new members in the present House and 33 members of the previous House could not be re-elected, Rio stated “we must understand the underlying message in this verdict. The people want positive change and performance. Our duty is to deliver the goods to our citizens.”
To this, he reminded the members of the house to always remember its priority towards ensuring that the people always come first. He also wished them a successful tenure, and solicited their support in its collective endeavour to elevate the status of our state and our fellow citizens.
At the same time, he also reminded the members of the ‘decorum and discipline’ of the NLA and its August floor as a symbol of the highest standards of parliamentary practices.
Stating that many leaders and members who have stood on this floor have gone on to serve the state and the nation in exemplary manner making significant contributions in then journey of the State and towards the process of nation building of this great country, Rio was optimistic that the members of this present house will also follow in these footsteps and make contributions that change the destiny of our people in a positive manner.
