DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The NPF in a press note stated that the visit of Congress president Sonia Gandhi to Nagaland, “where she spent just a few hours in the two districts of Dimapur and Mokokchung” and the manner in which she addressed the people “speaks volumes” about the difference between the NPF and the Congress. It said that contents of Sonia Gandhi’s speech were “shocking to all sections of the people.”
The NPF acknowledged Sonia Gandhi’s position “as one of the most influential women in politics not just in India but throughout the world.” The party stated that the Naga people, cutting across party lines were expecting her to enlighten the people with her vision not just for the state but for the whole country..
However, the NPF stated that Sonia Gandhi spoke about a cricket stadium with “inaccurate facts and figures.” The party stated that it was unexpected of her to “be brought down to such a low level of firing false allegations at a State government and dedicating much of her time to a cricket stadium project that is funded within the state’s plan funds.” The press note stated that her speech lacked “vision and inspiration” and that the Congress manifesto is “devoid of any vision or roadmap and is filled with vagueness and non-committal language”.
The press note went on to detail facts about the cricket stadium the Sonia Gandhi spoke about in her speech. The NPF revealed that Rs. 37.88 crores have been released and not 72 crores as claimed by Sonia Gandhi for the stadium. The 72 crores is the estimate of the projects only if all components of the present project report are implemented. It stated that the 37.88 crores spent so far includes completed components like “international quality floodlights, state of the art drainage system, generators with 1200 KVA capacity, an indoor pitch, a public toilet block, parking facilities, a periphery road, traditional walls, a security walls, underground water tanks with 16 lakh litres capacity, galleries, press boxes, media centers etc.”
The press note also stated that the project is monitored by a third party under the Government of India. It stated that “The monitoring agency has observed that the facility is a genuine achievement and an excellent facility, especially in a deprived state like Nagaland.” It stated that “nowhere else in the country would a cricket complex with so many components be brought to such a standard at the cost of just 38 crores.”
The press note stated that “the cricket complex at Sovima is a magnificent achievement of the DAN Government and a visionary project for the youth of the State for generations to come.” It further added that the people would have to be the judge regarding the development brought about by the DAN government.
Sonia Gandhi’s speech stating that the Congress would bring about a political solution to the Indo-Naga peace process was also criticized by the NPF. The NPF questioned as to what she meant by “soon”. They also stated that the Congress have had enough time to bring about a peaceful settlement for the Naga issue as they have been in power for almost ten years. The press note further stated that the Congress should not undermine the “intellect of the Nagas.”
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