MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 22 (MExN): Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, I. Imkong has castigated the DAN Government for what it claimed is its lackadaisical attitude towards the rural areas in the state ‘which are yet to see the light of the day in terms of development.’
The CLP Leader, who undertook a tour by a chopper today to various constituencies in Tuensang and Mon districts, expressed shock on touching down at the grassroots level only to discover that ‘there was zero development on the ground although the works mentioned in the works programme amounted to the tune of crores of rupees.’
“The DAN Government has been the most corrupt Government ever in the history of 44 years of Statehood,” Imkong claimed, stating that the DAN’s height of corruption was revealed at Muknyakshu where a total of Rs. 26 crores was shown against various projects and schemes in the works programme under the DUDA for the year 2004-05, the details of which were submitted by the local public leaders, while in reality, there was no implementation of the said works.
It was also revealed that the contractors were none other than Neibu Nagi of Kohima. The public leaders further revealed that the money was withdrawn without implementation of works and the same money was being used to try and purchase votes.
“No amount of money can buy the precious votes of Muknyakshu,” Imkong cautioned and called upon the people to revolt against the NPF-led DAN for ‘depriving the people of their right to development.’
Further lambasting the DAN for misleading the people by blaming the Congress for bringing President’s Rule in the State, Imkong retorted, “It was the NPF which brought President’s Rule because of their arrogant attitude by shamelessly clinging on to power even after they suffered a humiliating defeat on the Floor of the Assembly on December 13, 2007. The NPF has no agenda for the people and are crying foul for their own mistakes.”
Explaining the difference between national and regional political parties, Imkong said that regional parties tend to develop only their own regions, thereby missing out on equitable distribution. “Whereas, the Congress is a national political party and we are committed to ensure that the requirements of the people are met properly. We assure you that there will be equitable distribution of funds,” he stated.
Dismissing allegations of the NPF that there was a leadership crisis within the Congress, Imkong clarified, “It is a tradition of the Congress party wherein no one is projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate. The Chief Minister is elected by the Congress MLAs once the elections are over. There are no differences amongst the Congress leaders, rather, we are forging ahead unitedly and are confident of forming the next Government.”
The CLP Leader further cautioned that the sinister design of the NPF to rig the March 5 polls using the State Police in most constituencies would be prevented at all costs and warned that those officers of the State machinery found indulging in the same would be strictly dealt with once the Congress forms the next Government.
Imkong also highlighted the salient features of the Congress manifesto and explained to the people the various programmes and policies which the Congress would implement in letter and spirit once it assumes power.
The CLP Leader and his entourage comprising of former Lok Sabha MP, K. Asungba Sangtam, ex-MLA and INC candidate from 50-Longleng A/C, Shami Angh and NPMCC general secretary and PCC Member, Yashila were accorded a grand welcome in all the constituencies covered during the tour. There was an unprecedented turnout of thousands of public led by intending Bongkhao Konyak (INC candidate from 55-Tobu A/C) at Muknyakshu, Sedem Khaming (INC candidate from 56-Noklak A/C) at Noklak and Khonu, (INC candidate from 57-Thonoknyu A/C) at Panso. INC candidate from 48-Moka A/C, Nyamnei Konyak was also present at Muknyakshu.
