DIMAPUR, JANUARY 2 (MExN): Nagaland State MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio today issued a clarification in which he “totally disassociated” himself from the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
“As a fledgling political party, I can only wish them well,” the MP said in a press note which sought to address recent speculation about his dealings with the newly floated regional party. Rio recalled that when he was suspended from the NPF in 2015, some “like-minded people” approached him to form a new political party “for which I gave my moral support.”
“However, in view of the present reconciliation process on the suggestion of the Election Commission of India and the requests of various public leaders, I decided to resign from the post of President, NPF even though I was elected by a whopping majority on September 20, 2017 at the General Convention at Dimapur under the Chief Ministership of TR Zeliang and his group of MLAs. After tendering my resignation on December 8, 2017, I had also extended my full support to the Presidentship of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and also withdrew the dispute case from the Election Commission of India on December 10, 2017,” he narrated.
Stating that he started his political career “from the Cock Party, the United Democratic Front in 1974 as Youth President,” Rio added: “I also made sacrifices by stepping down from the Ministry in 1990 headed by Late Vamuzo to accommodate fellow legislators. In 2002, I resigned from the Congress Ministry headed by the then Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir and revived the present NPF Party by way of making numerous sacrifices and maximum contributions. With Almighty God’s blessings and the people’s support, I went on to become the Chief Minister of the NPF led DAN Government for 3 (Three) consecutive terms.”
He noted that in the course of this reconciliation process within the NPF, his suspension from the party was revoked on December 14 to “clear all misunderstandings.”
“Therefore, it is my natural choice to remain with the NPF to strengthen the party and serve the people,” the Lok Sabha MP added.
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