Rio fires campaign salvo at PM, Cong
Nagaland Chief minister Neiphiu Rio fired his first campaign salvo by questioning the wisdom of prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh in not visiting the state during the last ten years and having no vision for Nagas.
Addressing party candidates, functionaries and workers at the NPF ticket distribution ceremony at the NPF Central Office here Thursday, Rio reminded that the Prime Minister often visited “our neighboring states” – Assam and Manipur but not Nagaland. He also accused the Congress in the state of blocking release of central funds to the state.
With the NPF having revived alliance with the BJP and JDU as part of DAN, Rio predicted that the Congress-led UPA would not form the next government at the Centre in 2014.
Further taking a dig at the state Congress legislators, Rio that instead of attending JLF meetings, they went to Delhi and Manipur for consultations and to seek “blessings and support” from Manipur chief minister Ibobi for the forthcoming assembly polls. He also accused state Congress of having blocked funds to Nagaland.
“I think this is insult to the Nagas”, Rio said and described Congress leaders as “outside leaders and not Naga leaders.”
Rio took another jibe at the Congress when he said “moon and stars” including chief ministers of neighbouring states would campaign and “tell lies” since the electoral prospects of the Congress was “bad”.
He asserted that Nagas do not want to be ruled by high command. Dismissing the book of scams during the ten years of NPF-led DAN rule released by the NPCC, Rio said the contents were nothing new but only compilation of assembly questions as the Congress had nothing new to tell people.
Rio asserted that NPF, with is programme and vision, if voted back to power would “create another history.
He said the NPF with the support of alliance parties had the best and smoothest government ever and in this, he thanked NPF functionaries.
The lauded NPF president Dr Shürhozelie for his guidance and support and expressed hope that he will remain mentor and guardian of the party. Rio also sought for forgiveness from those who did not get NPF tickets “due to political compulsion”, and appealed to them to work with the party.
DAN devastated governance: Jamir
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Former chief minister and governor of Maharashtra and Goa, Dr. S.C. Jamir said governance under NPF –led DAN during the last ten has been devastated and that it has “collapsed in all respects”.
Launching an attack on the performance of the NPF-led DAN at the Congress ticket distribution ceremony held in the Congress Bhavan here Thursday, Jamir said Naga society was today in “total confusion” and government system derailed and destroyed by the “visionless NPF-led DAN government”.
Jamir said that Naga society, whether government, NGOs or even the churches have been subverted by “sins” and for which Nagaland was in tears. He reminded Congress candidates of their responsibility to redeem Nagas by bringing back the glory of Nagaland.
Jamir urged Congress to be prepared to “clean up the house” of the Naga society and be prepared to give a new life and a new approach to the people of Nagaland.
Literally accusing the NPF government of being only busy in money making and sharing, Jamir said that Naga society has become contaminated by corruption and discrimination.
In an apparent reaction to the resignation of senior Congress MLA Chingwang Konyak, Jamir said Congress was not a “divided house” rather it was a party which practiced “internal democracy” adding “Congress is united and will fight unitedly with a goal to win.”
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Tokheho said the ruling NPF will fight the election with “accumulated money” in all the years, as its weapon but the Congress will use issues as its weapon.
Speaking at the party ticket ceremony here, Tokheho pointed out that the NPF-led DAN would have been in dire financial straits had there been no election in Nagaland. He explained that till December 22,2012 the deficit stood at Rs.1240 cr while accumulated loans stood at a staggering Rs.10,000 crore.
Tokheho said loans were mainly from three institutions – LIC, HUDCO and NABARD-carrying interest of 12%, 10% and 8% respectively.
He said with an average interest of 10% per annum, the interest on principle alone would rise up to Rs.1000 crore.
He said when Congress is voted to power, it will adopt corrective measures which could go on for at least one year.
Such a measure may be unpopular but urged candidates to be prepared to face it in order to bring changes.
Cong. issues party tickets to 55 candidates
Congress Thursday distributed party tickets to fifty five candidates which include five new candidates for those constituencies that were not on the list, Nagakul (14 Southern Angami-I), Dr. Nganshi K Ao (25 Mongoya), Imtikumzuk (26 Aonglenden), Moatemjen Imchen (28 Korindang) and Imlitemsu (30 Alongtaki).
Interestingly, Dr. Imtiwabang Aier was not issued the party ticket Thursday despite him making to the list released by AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes. Congress sources said the ticket has been delayed due to “local problems”.
Another intending candidate of 4 Ghaspani-I, Khegholi Aomi was also yet to be issued the party ticket despite her declaring her candidature Tuesday here at Congress Bhavan. When contacted, CLP leader said whether ticket would be issued to Aomi or not would be clear within two to three days. He also added that the candidates for the remaining four constituencies would be made known within few days.
As per the new list, Congress was yet to officially declare candidates for 9 Kohima town, 4 Ghaspani-I, 42 Wakching and 49 Tamlu.
Sonia, Rahul to campaign in Nagaland
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul Gandhi would be campaigning for the party in Nagaland. Rahul will address Congress election meetings in Mon on February 8 at 11 a.m. after which, he will address another meeting in Tuensang at 2 p.m. on the same day. Sonia Gandhi will address a rally in Dimapur on February 11 at 11 a.m. and later will address another election rally in Mokokchung at 1 p.m. on the same day. According to party sources, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is also expected to address an election rally in Kohima on February 9. Defence Minister A.K. Antony was expected to arrive on February 14; Home Minister, Sushilkumar Shinde and Finance Minster P. Chidambaram were also expected to campaign in the state. (Staff Reporter)
BJP releases first list of candidates
BJP has released the first list of 11 candidates for the coming assembly elections. According to press release, the first list includes Lachit Khersa (3 Dimapur-III), Imsü Yaden (21Tuli), T.A. Ngullie (37 Tyui), Er. Senkathung Jami (39 Sanis), P. Paiwang Konyak (41 Tizit), Leiyang Konyak (44 Phomching), M.M. Thromwa Konyak (45 Tehok), C. Manpon Konyak (47 Aboi), Mrs. Rakhila (54 Tuensang Sadar-II), Linko Sangtam (59 Seyochung-Sitimi) and J.M. Makhi (60 Pungro-Kiphire). The ticket distribution ceremony would be held on February 1 at the state party office, AIKO building, Bank Colony, Dimapur.
NCP candidates issued tickets
NCP has issued tickets to 15 candidates for the assembly elections. The candidates who were issued tickets include Dr L Yezhekhu Sumi (3 Dimapur-III), Neiba Ndang (6 Tening), Col Sajukha Rengma (12 Tseminyu), Zovehu Lohe (17 Chizami), Senchumo (37 Tyui), Dr. T.M Lotha (38 Wokha), Mmhonlumo Kikon (40 Bhandari), Hatpha (41 Tizit), T.P Yaeih Konyak (45 Tehok), Y. Taiwang Konyak (47 Aboi), B Longnyei Phom (49 Tamlu), Er. T.L. Semdok (50 Longleng), Lima Onen (51 Noksen), Imtilemba (52 Longkim Chare), L Khumo (57 Thonoknyu) and S Tsulemthong (60 Pungro Kiphire).
Chingwang’s resignation expected: NPCC
NPCC Thursday said the resignation of Chingwang Konyak from the party was on expected lines. In a statement, NPCC media cell said the Congress chose to remain patient when he “deliberately violated” party discipline on several occasions to “stay in the limelight.” Stating that it was unfortunate that he had destroyed what he nurtured by “a stroke of a sentence” and ending his political career by dismantling his own work.
9 Kohima Town
Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, sitting MLA from 9 Kohima Town A/C Thursday has requested electorates to give him another chance. Kire, who won the last election on an NPF ticket was addressing a gathering at Lower P.R Hill colony. Meanwhile, Lower P.R Hill Panchayat informed the colony residents that use of alcohol, drugs, gambling, immoralities, violence etc would not be allowed in the colony during the process of campaigning. (Correspondent)
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