Congress leader Tokheho Yepthomi Sunday said as long as Nagas continued to elect leaders on “money power”, there was no place for “qualified and capable young leaders except the children of NPF party in power.”
In a counter rejoinder to NPF press and media statement, Tokheho also reiterated that his position was clear on accepting the verdict of the people and also explained how majority of the Nagas had not given their “conscious vote” in the recently concluded elections.
Tokheho said that the NPF had to admit to the people how much money the party distributed when ticket was issued to candidates and also how much money was seized from NPF candidates by Assam Rifles and other law-enforcing agencies.
Tokheho reminded that 2010, the central government granted Rs. 712 crores for implementation of 6th RoP, Rs. 317 crores as special financial assistance in February 2010.
He said Rs. 712 crores was distributed to various departments but only Rs. 47255.74 was given to government employees on demands for grants laid on the floor of the Assembly during Budget Session for 2010-2011.
Accusing the NPF leaders of making Nagas poorer and forcing them to accept money during election, Tokheho said NPF should come to their sense as to how the party made the life of the Nagas “so miserable.”
On the question of Tokheho’s “over-zealous ambition” to become the chief minister, the Congress leader said the chief minister was only a first amongst equals and therefore, there is nothing to be “over-zealous.”
Reminding that Neiphiu Rio was the 9th chief minister of the state, Tokheho said “leaders come and go and it will keep on changing” reminding case of West Bengal where the left ruled for 35 years and had to concede defeat in recent times.
The Congress leader who has won five consecutive terms said, he would continue to work for the people irrespective of the fact whether he remained in the opposition or not.
Tokheho also took on the NPF stating that the party has been voted to power for three consecutive terms yet DAN government was far from fulfilling the assurance given to the people on solving the vexed Naga political issue.
He asked how many more years DAN required to be a “facilitator.” He said it was evident that the achievement of the DAN government lies in dividing Naga society at all levels.
Tokheho also asked the NPF to clarify how some NPF candidates were apprehended with lakhs and crores of cash besides “arms, ammunition and IMFL.”
Affirming his position that he would not cower down when it came to speaking the truth, the Congress leaders called on Nagas to introspect as “the corrupted trend of electoral politics” in Nagaland seemed to have upset NPF because it shed light on “nefarious activities.”
He added that NPF would not understand the fact that his voice represented the “anguish of those genuine well-wishers of the Nagas” who wanted to speak the truth with boldness and courage.
Tokheho asked the Nagas to wake up and strive for peace, justice and equality lest the future generations suffer because of indifference to the grim realities plaguing the society.
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