Y Patton categorically quashes ‘change of guard’ reports
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, addressing the media on October 1. (Morung Photo)
‘Fictitious' reports, says Zeliang
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 1
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, who also holds Home portfolio, has categorically denied reports that he along with former chief minister and present leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang, were plotting to forge an alliance for a “change of guard.”
Outrightly dismissing the report first carried by an online news portal on September 30, the deputy chief minister in a press conference in Dimapur on Tuesday, termed the “rumours” doing round in social media of possible change of guard as “totally false and never in my wildest dreams.”
Patton said the rumours are the handiwork of some political adversaries to create confusion in the minds of the people as well as to create distrust in the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) fabrics.
“There is no logic in the statement as the State BJP leader has only Party Central leaders and High Command to consult and take instructions for any political move in the State governance. As such, no sensible person would believe in the fake and fabricated statement made in the social media,” he said.
He also reminded that the alliance between the Bhartatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is a pre-poll agreement.
Thereafter the formation of PDA Government under the “dynamic leadership” of Neiphiu Rio is based on “gentleman agreement,” which, Patton asserted, stands rock solid till date with a commitment to complete the term successfully.
He said he was especially surprised that the news report had even mentioned the date (September 24) of the alleged meeting, whereas on that day he was in his office in Nagaland Secretariat, performing his duties and holding public interviews.
State BJP chief whip and advisor, Prisons and Printing & Stationery, H Haiying who was also present in the press conference said the State BJP is fully committed to the pre-poll alliance with NDPP and ensure that the PDA government lasts its full term.
Haiying also attested that on September 24, the deputy CM was in his office meeting officials and public.
Taking to micro blogging site Twitter, Patton also stated that “there is no absolutely no truth” in the reports and express sadness “to see people with ulterior motives inventing such malicious rumours.”
‘The PDA government under Neiphiu_Rio is going as strong as ever and whatever is being claimed in the report is a work of fiction,’ he added.
A propaganda, says State BJP President; Zeliang
State BJP President and Minister of Higher & Technical Education & Tribal Affairs also took to Twitter to quash the rumour posted, “This is a propaganda again. State BJP President with all ranks and files of the party & BLP Leader Dy. Chief Minister, all Ministers,Advisers stands with PD Alliance.”
Meanwhile, Zeliang, who is also the Leader of Naga People's Front Legislature Party, denied the reports and called it ‘fictitious.’
Questioning why media outlets keep reporting on hearsay and speculation arising out of insecurity of a section of people, he tweeted that the reports about “political development to topple the PDA in Nagaland is fictitious”
“Journalism ethics should be nurtured and practiced,” he also noted.
