Morung Express news
Dimapur | June 10
Nagaland PHED Minister, N Jacob Zhimomi, expressed happiness at the people finally agreeing to seat reservation (33 percent) for women in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB). “I think very soon, the people will enjoy the fruits of democracy through the (ULB) elections,” Zhimomi told the media at a BJP ticket distribution programme for the ULB elections, 2024, to the Chümoukedima and Niuland Town Councils, on June 10.
He was optimistic of the “privileges” (development funds) that were missed during the past 20 years coming the state’s way once the ULBs get constituted. Proper drainage facilities, upgrading health centres and other basic urban amenities were cited as among the top priorities.
Rumour has it that hundreds of crores in arrears for the ULBs remain frozen, pending release from the Union government. He disagreed maintaining that it is only assumption without truth.
He termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return to power as “a very resounding victory.” According to him, with power in the right hands, the Government of India’s aspiration for the country will be fulfilled. “We are very positive and optimistic. We have many issues to be settled in the North East, particularly the state of Nagaland… power is in the right hands, and it is headed in the right direction,” he said.
On the Congress wresting the Nagaland Parliamentary seat, he said that it is up to the people who they elect. He though reminded that only a half of the Nagaland electorate turned out to vote on April 19. “A lot of voters had decided to stay in their comfort zones, I think, and they did not participate in the process,” he said.
He brushed aside alleged discontent among BJP and NDPP workers on the ‘seat-sharing’ arrangement between the two electoral allies. He said, “There is no ambiguity between us,” maintaining that the BJP will contest in ULB seats that fall under Assembly Constituencies held by the BJP and NDPP in seats held by the NDPP.
“I don't see a reason why we should be fighting against each other. We are one. We'll be supporting the NDPP in their constituencies, and NDPP will support us in our (BJP) constituencies,” he said.
In a separate programme, MLA and Advisor, H Tovihoto Ayemi handed away tickets to 9 BJP candidates for the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
In total, the party handed out tickets to 27 candidates for the Chümoukedima and Niuland Town Councils and DMC.
