DIMAPUR, JUNE 8 (MExN): In the ongoing war of words between the National People’s Party (NPP) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the latter issued a statement today saying that the government cannot be blamed for everything.
A press release from the NDPP Media and Communication Committee said “though there have been lapses and shortcomings, we are confident that appropriate steps and measures have been undertaken and that the Government machineries will continue to correct and improve wherever necessary.”
“Today, we have become too liberal in blaming the Government for everything. The peoples Government failing in its statutory duties calls for immediate rectification, but cannot be blamed for everything, let alone asking for the peoples mandated head of state to step down every time we feel things are not going to our liking,” the NDPP added.
It meanwhile clarified that the NDPP’s earlier rejoinder to the NPP was not meant to deter or challenge any one's democratic rights as erroneously construed by the NPP.
“It would appear that the political party seems to be scared of its own shadow; seeing apparitions where there are none; and sensing threats in calls concertedly to work for the betterment of the society! If and when Government functionaries are sacrificing their comfort and going all out to tackle the menace and threat of the dreaded pandemic in the aftermath of detection of numerous cases of late is not a measure for the cause of the public, then what is or what would be termed as "act for the general welfare of its citizens"?” the NDPP questioned.
It accused the NPP of failing to recognize the “Herculean task the Government functionaries along with all front line workers are facing to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and placement of the thousands of returnees from outside the State in the last few weeks.”
The NDPP said that the Government is doing its best to accommodate all returnees despite the lack of resources. The Government, with active support and involvement of all sections of the society, have thus far managed to lodge, transport and segregate according to the health status of the returnees, it added.
The party also said that the government will be increasing the number of test facilities and the backlog shall be handled judiciously.
It asked political parties including the NPP to “appreciate the positive aspects taking place in the face of this pandemic.”
Regarding the matter of the two erstwhile NPP MLAs merging with the NDPP, the party said during the last parliamentary and bye-elections to the 26th Aonglengden assembly constituency, the PDA had unanimously resolved to set up consensus candidates in both the elections as a mark of solidarity and unity of the PDA.
“Former NPP sate unit President and elder brother of the present president was a signatory of this decision, however, when the PDA was in a position to announce its consensus candidate, the NPP made a ‘U’ turn and decided to field its own candidates. This left its two MLAs in a dilemma and quandary as to whether to support the PDA candidates or its own party candidates as both of them were Advisors in the PDA government,” it added.
“Their appeals to the party to reconsider its decision of fielding candidates went unheard since the party was adamant despite its realistic chances of doing well, leave alone win. The MLAs were therefore compelled to make their own decision,” the NDPP said.
It meanwhile asked the people to continue supporting all the medical and frontline workers and the Government agencies who are putting all their efforts in ensuring public safety.
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