Kohima, August 27 (MExN): The Rio-led NPF party today asserted that the MLAs and party functionaries in its group have not defected, “but have consciously chosen the side which is legal in its claim according to the laws of the country.” In response to the other group of NPF, the party stated the “minority NPF group” could not muster courage to face the Floor Test on July 19, 2017. “The temple of democracy is the Floor of the House and for his (Dr Shürhozelie) group to abstain from a Floor Test speaks volumes of their cowardice and utter lack of respect for democracy and its norms. Their own undemocratic actions got themselves dismissed and therefore, they should desist from pinning the blame on others,” a press release from NPF Press & Information Cell added.
Pointing out that the District Courts, High Court and Supreme Court have dismissed/rejected all petitions/appeals of the Shürhozelie-led NPF, the release stated, “Now they have nowhere left to go; and nothing left to do except find fault with everyone including the Courts.”
It further maintained that Neiphiu Rio enjoys majority support of the party MLAs and the CEC members mentioned in the original list (2015 - January 31, 2020 tenure) with the ECI was submitted after the November 26, 2014 NPF General Convention. Any expulsion/ suspension/ nomination/ appointment of new CEC Member(s) or Central Office Bearer(s) thereafter will have no effect on the existing list, it stated.
Whatever argument may be put forth by the disputing parties, it added, the final decision will be taken by the ECI which is the appropriate authority. “It is therefore appealed to all sections of the party and the people to understand the situation and think rationally as to who is indulging in undemocratic activities and who is standing by the laws of the Constitution of India and the NPF Constitution.”
The Rio-led NPF also noted since the matter is now with the ECI, it does not desire to fight a “senseless media war”. Nevertheless, “our dignified silence should not be misconstrued as weakness or inability to counter the blatant lies propagated by the minority NPF group,” it added.
