DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): The recent exit of Janata Dal-United from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre will not have any immediate effect on Nagaland where BJP and JD-U are a part of the ruling DAN government, said JD-U general secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Arun Kumar Srivastava.
Addressing a press conference at JD-U office in Dimapur on Sunday, Srivastava maintained that although the JD-U had snapped its 17-year-old ties with the BJP, it would not have any immediate repercussions in Nagaland adding, it would however, “depend on the DAN alliance”. Both the BJP and JD-U have one seat each in the state assembly.
Srivastava, who is meeting non-BJP and non-Congress political parties in the region for possible formation of a strong third front for the forthcoming 2014 elections, had met Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and DAN chairman, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Sunday. The JD-U leader said he had explained to both the leaders about the party’s exit from NDA and discussed about what they could do for the forthcoming elections at the centre. He revealed that Dr. Shurhozelie had expressed personal opinion about willingness to join any third front but would wait and watch for the moment. He also said both the leaders were concerned about the projection of Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi as the face of BJP for the next elections.
Srivastava maintained that the repeated projection of “Modi’s Hindutva face” as the Prime Minister would eventually dilute the basic principles of JD-U.
State JD-U president, Mhonjan Lotha said that the party had taken the right decision at the right time to snap ties with BJP. He asserted that the party has lost many grounds since its association with the NDA. “We are here to work for the welfare of the people,” he said.
