Rio says ‘Poll verdict is a mandate in support of NPF’s stand on Naga issue’
Ashikho Pfuzhe
Kohima | March 18
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that the 2013 assembly poll verdict is a mandate in support of the NPF’s stand on the Naga political issue.
The Chief Minister in his reply to the debate on motion of thanks to the Governor’s address on the last day of the assembly session on Monday, said the landslide victory of the NPF in the just concluded election was due to the unwavering stance and commitment of the regional party to the Naga issue.
Rio also said the victory of the regional party proved that the “Naga voice is getting heard loud and clear” and that Nagas have come of age and no longer feared the “high command” of national political parties. “Leaders will come and go. So also governments will come and go, but NPF will continue to carry the voice and aspirations of Naga people till their goal is fulfilled”, he said.
Countering Congress leader Tokheho Yepthomi’s allegation that there was “stigma” attached to the “thumping majority” of the NPF as the party won through money, muscle and gun power, Rio said it reflected the “sourness” of the Congress party after their humiliating defeat. “This is not the way to accept defeat.... Congress party has once again undermined the voice of Naga people”, he said.
Rio said that despite the Congress having absolute majority during the 2002 assembly election, the NPF led-DAN scripted victory. Even in the 2008 election, the Congress tried to grab power by bringing President’s Rule, but again, the people of Nagaland reposed their faith in the regional party.
He said in the recent election, though the “moon and stars” of the Congress party descended in Nagaland along with crores of money and devised all sorts of strategic and covert means, but the people of Nagaland gave a “most memorable” victory to the NPF.
Rio said that instead of hurling repeated allegations on the NPF with regard to the Naga issue including the allegation that NPF had in 2003 promised solution to the Naga issue “within three months” if elected to power, the state Congress should also take responsibility to impress upon the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre for early resolution of the issue.
On Congress members’ allegations that DAN government is a “one man show” government, the Chief Minister said such sweeping statements should be backed by convincing proofs. Rio said DAN government’s approach is “collective and shared responsibility” and that is why besides the 12-member cabinet, 21 Parliamentary Secretaries and four other Advisors and Chairmen comprising of senior legislators and first timers have been inducted.
He also said that the DAN government is the “most inclusive government ever” and that the government elicits suggestions from the Church, Hohos and NGOs in most matters pertaining to governance and major issues that concern the people.
The Chief Minister also replied to queries on roads, arms procurement in police department and Local Area Development Fund earlier raised by other Congress members during the debate. The Chief Minister said that DAN government welcomes constructive criticism and positive suggestions both inside and out the assembly. In the end, the amendments moved by the eight Congress legislators, to the Governor’s address, was voted out.
