Our Correspondent
KOHIMA | October 31
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today announced that it will frame its election manifesto basing on two prong agenda-political and development. Although, the manifesto is yet to be released, CLP leader, I Imkong today disclosed to party workers and the visiting AICC general secretary, Margaret Alva, during the meeting at their Conference Hall, that the NPCC manifesto will include two main issues-political and development.
On the political front, Imkong, said that Congress role will be to bring solution by bridging the gap between the Naga undergrounds and Government of India. Imkong said that during the last ten years of Congress regime, there was a promise made to the people to help bring honourable solution to the protracted Naga struggle, however, it could not be fulfilled.
“Unfortunately, our promise could not be fulfilled”, Imkong said. But reassure that this time the Congress will play active role in bridging the gap the between the Naga undergrounds and government of India. “We have suffered enough for the last sixty years. There is a semblance of peace due to ceasefire now. But this is not enough”, Imkong went, adding that after the election, if Congress comes to power, people won’t see violence again.
Riding high on the UPA factor at the Centre, NPCC appears flamboyant today with hope that the party will come to back power. But, Imkong sighed that the party will encounter many obstacles during the election battle, and one main obstacle will be the money power to be used by the NPF party.
“We are confident that we will romp home victoriously. But we are going to face many obstacles during the election. One is the money power that NPF party is going to use”, Imkong said.
He disclosed the gathering that NPF party has already promised to sanction Rs 1 crore each for all assembly constituencies to meet the election expense. “We demand more fund from AICC. We are not asking for Rs 1 crore, but at least 50% of what our opposition party is going to give”, Imkong urged. “Logistic support provided by AICC will help us to victory”, Imkong also urged.
However, Alva, reacting to Imkong’s demand, said that AICC will give monetary support to only those candidates who really need help and not to all. Instead, she emphasized on the need for dedicated and united fight rather than money power.
Imkong also accused the ruling DAN government of rampant corruption and inequitable development, and urged the Centre not to release fund on demand of the State government, but to monitor all development works and schemes and release money according to the work done.
“Development will take place without prejudice, if Congress comes to power”, Imkong said. The active membership of the Congress has also increased from about 3000 to 8000 in recent years. This increase clearly indicates the enthusiasm of the people towards the Congress party, he added.
Earlier, NPCC President, Hokheto Sumi, also said that Congress has high hope of coming back to power. He said withdrawing support to and resignation by some MLAs from the DAN government has added plus point to the Congress. It provided good opportunity to national party to the run the government, Hokheto added.
.jpeg)
