DIMAPUR, JUNE 19 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today asked the MPs and MLAs of Nagaland State for a “conscious vote” in the upcoming Presidential elections.
A press note from the NPCC President, K Therie reminded that the election of the President of India was notified by ECI on June 14 and nomination opened from June 17 till 28. If there is a contest, polling will be held on July 17.
The NPCC said that “if at all there is a contest, the contest will be of communalism vs secularism in the nation.”
Noting that in the Presidential election, only MPs and MLAs will be representing the people of Nagaland, the NPCC asked the legislators of the state to be aware that “people are not happy with BJP governance in the centre.”
“We must send a message to BJP that we do not approve the promotion of anti-Christian activities. Nagaland people do not approve demolition of Churches across the nation, forced reconversions (Gharwapsi), demeaning Christian worshiping days, anti-Romeo vigilantes, cow vigilantes and that Nagaland people do not approve of cattle ban,” it said.
Stating that the Presidential election is not a party policy and the Constitution of India has provided freedom of choice in the elections, the NPCC said that the Chief Election Commissioner, Naseem Zaidi has informed that political parties will not be able to issue whips for their MPs and MLAs in the Presidential Elections, giving them absolute freedom to vote for any Presidential candidate or abstain from voting, without attracting disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
“We therefore expect them to represent the inner minds and prayer of our people and appeal to all MPs and MLAs to vote consciously,” the NPCC appealed.
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