‘Oppositionless government giving importance to leaders rejected by electorate’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 12
Independent MLA Thomas Ngullie has accused the TR Zeliang led government of indifference towards the needs of his constituency. Coming in the backdrop of his speech during the May 24 civic reception for former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, Ngullie at a media briefing on June 12 alleged that the present government-in-ruling is ignoring his position as the representative of 37 Sanis Assembly Constituency and instead “giving importance to leaders (from the constituency) rejected by the electorate.”
“I haven’t seen any development fund come through me to the constituency except the Local Area Development Fund,” he said, while adding that MGNREGA fund has also been erratic. Queried whether he and his constituency getting allegedly sidelined could be an upshot of his open support for Rio, Ngullie replied, “I am speaking the truth. The other legislators must also speak the truth. I am here to protect the interest of the people. If in the process somebody gets offended, I can’t help it.”
Similarly, a general air of detachment of the government from the people is also palpable, he said. According to him, it is evident in the manner government officials are being “systematically neglected.” He however did not elucidate much on the nature of the reported “neglect”. “We hear of no development programmes and yet all the members (MLAs) are keeping quiet… nobody is raising their voice.”
Drawing a parallel between the “oppositionless” governments of the 12th NLA and the 9th NLA, Ngullie said that the SC Jamir headed 9th NLA, which had one MLA in opposition, was sensitive to the needs of the people and respectful to all members irrespective of affiliation.
Stating that a government should be strong and pro-people, however, he said that the present government has no direction. “I haven’t seen such a government in my 35 years political career,” he said.
Further reiterating his stance on Rio’s suspension from the NPF, Ngullie said that if questioning the Chief Minister’s educational qualification was one of the reasons behind the suspension then TR Zeliang must also prove his educational qualification. “But he is not responding. If he is genuinely a graduate why wait for the court’s ruling. He is hiding behind court proceedings,” he said and added, “I don’t understand the wisdom of Dr. Shurhozelie in protecting TR Zeliang.”
Asked what could be the next possible move for Rio and on the possibility of the former Chief Minister forming an NPF splinter group, he replied that he cannot comment and as an independent he was not in a position to speak on behalf of the NPF.
