Says Party is committed to welfare of all citizens
Dimapur, August 9 (MExN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Tuesday sought to put to rest “all the false speculations created by various individuals, groups and political parties” on the future of the Party, stating that it continues to remain committed to work tirelessly for the welfare of all citizens of the State.
“The NDPP reaffirms that it will continue to follow the ideals of regionalism and uphold the banner of regional ideology and identity and at the same time follow our policy of having a national outlook, with proactive action on aligning our citizens and the State with international realities,” it said in a statement issued through the NDPP Media & Communication Committee.
The statement addressed various issues including its commitment to resolve the Naga political issue, and seat sharing with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Stating that the Party is regional in its roots and character while having a national outlook, it maintained that its “vision and roadmap is clear with a distinct direction and purpose while our constitution is crystal clear in our ideology of regionalism.”
“We have provided purposeful leadership and direction to the Naga people with our regional approach and national outlook and it is because of this clarity that we are able to bring development through linkages, collaborations and partnerships of trust. The NDPP is committed to our promise on the Naga Political Issue as enshrined in our constitution and also reiterated in our manifesto,’ the statement read.
It further stated that regional parties have continued to have alliances and coalitions with national parties across the country including north eastern States like Meghalaya, Sikkim and Mizoram. “This does not mean that the ideology of regionalism is compromised but rather the foundations of regional identity and respect gets strengthened and recognised,” it added.
On the Naga political issue, the party maintained that its partnership with the BJP is one of trust and based on political maturity, and that the two parties have “partnered together for the greater good of the Naga people.”
While expressing appreciation to the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their committed approach to the ongoing political negotiations, it said that the “NDPP-BJP Alliance under the banner of the present UDA Government has unanimously resolved to work for early solution and we have reiterated our commitment to pave the way in the event of an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Indo-Naga political negotiations.”
“We support the call for early solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio and our leadership in its role as facilitators will pursue early realization of a solution to the extent that we have firmly supported the call for solution even before the elections,” it asserted.
With regard to seat sharing, the Party stated that the alliance was initiated and implemented since the assembly elections of 2018 and the understanding has continued till date.
“The spirit of the alliance has been re-strengthened and continued with even during the bye-election and general election to the Lok Sabha, the assembly bye-elections and the recent Rajya Sabha election. Therefore, this espouses the continuation of the policy and the spirit of alliance which has always existed,” it said.
It further explained that the decision to further continue with the Alliance in the agreement on July 26 was taken by the top leadership of the BJP which included the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in consultation with the BJP National President JP Nadda and the Chief Minister of Assam & NEDA Convener Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio.
It was the result of earlier meetings held in New Delhi and Guwahati in September 2021 and May 2022 in the presence of top leadership of the BJP, Ministers of the state as well as the UDA Chairman, wherein it was agreed to continue the seat sharing alliance, it added.
“The agreement was the result of meetings and consultations of the leadership of both the parties in a mature and responsible manner and not a sudden development. The joint statement was signed by the Secretary General of the party not on an individual capacity but on behalf of the Party and the statement reflects the decision and stand of the Party,” it maintained.
Meanwhile, the Party stated that it was not averse to criticisms; “in fact, it is based on these criticisms that the party can surge ahead on its policies and methods on how best to serve the people in whichever way is necessary.”
“However, foggy allegations of the party ‘merging’ with the BJP and asking the members to leave the party based on the write up of a journalist only goes on to show political immaturity and does not warrant a response since as a matured political party, the NDPP is well aware of our future and our roadmap is clear. Therefore, the statements of apprehensions by various organizations and political parties should be laid to rest as we are confident that the maturity and wisdom of the people will not be impacted in any manner by mere speculations,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its ideals as a regional political party, that is registered with the Election Commission of India under the Representation of the People’s Act 1951, “it is the NDPP’s bounden duty and responsibility to pursue our role to follow the guidelines of the ECI and accordingly work towards the eventuality of facing the people’s mandate as and when the assembly elections are conducted,” it said.
“A mature and responsible political party which seeks the respect from the masses they represent should function on facts, responsible leadership and clarity of vision; and not on speculations and spreading of false propaganda,” it added.
