Dismisses reports that he would be just like a puppet
KOHIMA, May 10 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for PHED, Noke Wangnao has said that Vizol, Vamuzo and Neiphiu Rio could become Chief Ministers of Nagaland with the support and blessings of the ENPO. “It is time for payback to us,” he said asking, “Whether you have the spirit of paying us back is a big question?”
Talking to NEPS here on Saturday, the Minister who had thrown his weight around for the coveted post of Chief Minister in the state, reasserted that he was prepared to lead the state if he was asked by the NPF to do so.
Noke reiterated his political stand and principle saying that he had never wavered from his “political ideology.” The Konyak strongman dismissed various news items that he would be just like a puppet. “This is nothing but only trying to tarnish my political image by those who are afraid of my spotless clean political integrity and career,” he said. “I have long political innings spanning over 40 years and I think with these experiences, I can smoothly run the affairs of the State.”
“I have been enjoying supports of many and I have full confidence that I can efficiently run the government in the state,” Noke asserted and stated that those incapable of leading the state have been trying to “portray” him as “incapable.” “This is nothing but canards,” he added.
Noke also revealed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had told him to take over from him (Rio) as the next Chief Minister. “And that stand is still there,” he said. He elaborated that Rio could have come up to pass on the baton of Chief Minister to him, in view of Noke being the senior most regionalist and the senior most legislator in the 12th Nagaland Assembly.
When asked about TR Zeliang reportedly camping with over 20 NPF legislators at a resort in Assam’s Kaziranga, Noke stated that they should not indulge in such a culture of camping. “If the power tussle is between the Congress and the NPF, then such camping may be alright,” he explained. But why such camping should be there within the NPF. Such mentality should be checked, he added. “If we are to choose the leader for the post of the Chief Minister, then we should sit down and do it amongst us here,” he said.
