Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressing the Nagaland State Bharatiya Janata Party extended state executive meeting in Dimapur on July 16. (Photo Courtesy: X)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 16
Nagaland State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held its extended state executive meeting with Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Cluster in-charge, Nagaland) as special guest at IMC Hall, Dimapur on July 16.
In his speech, Sonowal stated that the Northeast region has grown and developed considerably in the last few years. In his view, during the previous UPA regime, the region had been neglected by the Centre most times. However, under Narendra Modi’s leadership he said the Northeast (NE) has progressed considerably due to the recognition of its immense potential of human and natural resources. He supplanted this by the number of visits Modi has made during his tenure to the region, totalling more than sixty times.
No other Prime Minster has made this many number of visits, he said.
In regards to Nagaland State, he highlighted its immense potential, particularly through its unique traditional handicrafts, organic products and such. Due to which the State can play a very important role for India’s progress, he added.
In Nagaland as well, more than a thousand kilometers of road projects have been constructed in the last few years with additional more in the pipeline. Several hundred people covered under Ayushman Bharat scheme, housing scheme through PM Awas Yojana, the Union Minister mentioned.
“I believe Nagaland is one of the most promising states, it can contribute considerably at making India a self-reliant country by 2047,” he observed.
Additionally, Sonowal stated that Nagaland and the NE has become one of the most attractive places in the global tourism market. It has also attracted global investment and better accessibility to ASEAN markets. This was only done through the assurance of peace, tranquillity and security, he noted.
As such, the Union Minister appraised for the party karyakartas to work for the welfare of the people thereby furthering the aims of the BJP’s aspirations as well.
Almost Rs 6 lakh crore spent in NE under Act East Policy
Anil K Antony, BJP National Secretary, in-charge of Nagaland and Meghalaya in his keynote address, said that the last few years have been unprecented for the BJP and the NE region. He recalled how a few years back, the NDA and the BJP had not won a single seat in the region. However, their fortunes changed in a few years time and Nagaland was one of the first states where the lotus bloomed as early as 2003.
He reported that under Act East Policy, the NDA government has spent almost Rs 6 lakh crore in the NE, to develop infrastructure, connectivity, and boost domestic tourism, bank, and industries.
Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton meanwhile in his speech emphasized that the “BJP’s focus must be on the development and progress of Nagaland the welfare of the farmers, youth, and women should remain at the forefront of our agenda. By ensuring that every citizen if Nagaland has access to opportunities and resources, we can build a state that is not only self-reliant, but also a model for others to follow.”
The presidential address was delivered by State President, Benjamin Yepthomi while welcome address was given by Temjen Imna Along, Minister, Tourism and Higher Education.
Backs proposal for appointment of BJP Deputy Chairpersons in ULBs
Following the conclusion of its state executive meeting, the Nagaland State BJP put out its list of political resolutions and resolutions on party affairs. A copy received here stated that among its key decisions, the party adopted to support the proposal made by their legislators for the appointment of BJP Deputy Chairpersons in urban local bodies, where both the BJP and NDPP had contested together.
The state executive further supported the demand for accommodation of government nominees from the BJP to the respective municipal and town councils. It also backed the appointment of one government nominee in the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) from the minority community.
In regard to the decades-old Naga Political issue, the BJP Nagaland unit gave its support to an early, inclusive and honourable solution. At the same time it appealed to the Central government and negotiating parties to expedite the process in order to ensure lasting peace, all round development and economic upliftment of the State in the near future.
It also announced that the next executive meeting scheduled on November 2024 would be held at Tuensang headquarters, while the next will be organised at Noklak in April 2025.
“For the interest of the party, the BJP State Executive has resolved for regular joint consultative and coordination meeting between BJP Legislators and State Office Bearers at least once every three month,” it said.
To strengthen the party at the grassroots and increase membership, the party agreed to complete the formation of booth level committee's in all polling booths before the next State Executive meeting.
Its other decisions included recommendation of names only from active party workers as PDA Members, PSU Chairpersons etc.
Recommendation of persons for filling up positions in State Level Morcha's to be accepted only through District organisational set-up.
Support for Act East Policy, Northeast Economic Corridor and the numerous socio-economic, infrastructure development schemes of the region, while congratulating the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre and the PDA Government in the State for their respective achievements in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
Reported by K Shitsucha, 2nd semester student of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Nagaland University, Lumami. She is currently undergoing a month-long internship in The Morung Express.
