Motion for governor’s address adopted
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio Monday accused the Congress of misleading the people by disseminating wrong information on the Naga political issue.
In his reply to the debate on Governor’s address, the chief minister denied that the DAN government promised to bring a solution to the Naga issue within three months and said it was a baseless allegation by the Congress.
On the question of commitment of DAN government in facilitating an “amicable negotiated” Naga settlement and its commitment to step down, if and when necessary, to pave way for any alternative arrangement after a negotiated settlement was achieved, Rio said the Congress legislators failed to attend two meetings on December 10, 2012 and January 8, 2013 accusing the party of waiting a direction from the high command in New Delhi and trying to bring President’s Rule (PR) in the state for suppressing Naga voices.
Reiterating that the DAN government was giving top priority to the Naga political problem besides protecting the identity, culture and rights of the Nagas, Rio said that the opposition has been attacking the DAN after winning the elections with a thumping majority.
He said the mandate received by the NPF could not be undermined by “frustrated and sour loser” Congress party adding that the people did not vote the party despite bringing in “moon and star” poll campaigners from Delhi and neighboring states.
The chief minister also dismissed the allegation that DAN was a “one man show” and said his government had 12 cabinet ministers, 21 parliamentary secretaries and 6 advisors and chairmen who were running the government members young and old, technocrats, former government officials and efficient leaders.
Reiterating that DAN also sought the opinion and heard the voice of the civil societies, Rio reminded the Congress that Nagas were not divided by DAN but by British and India.
Admitting the fact that elections in Nagaland had a long way to go in a democratic system, Rio said there should be collective efforts to cleanse the system. He also claimed DAN government was “youth friendly” and has been promoting sports, music, entrepreneurship, art and culture, literature etc.
Rio also said that the 13 seats won from ENPO area reflected the trust people had on NPF which was committed to develop the backward areas.
On the much talked about deplorable road conditions in the state, the chief minister put the blame on the central government and claimed that there were not enough funds for maintenance. He however said DAN was making efforts for improving roads in the state.
Later in his reply, the chief minister sought constructive criticism from the opposition party for better governance and progress of the state. He however warned that “blind and baseless allegations” should be avoided.
The chief minister also congratulated all the elected members to the house and urged upon them to keep their affirmations to serve the Nagas.
Earlier, the assembly laid the reports/services rules, annual administrative reports, review of the trends in receipts and expenditure by the minister-in-charge of the department of finance for the 1st , 2nd and 3rd quarter of the year 2012-13, presentation of CAG report for the year 2011-12 were laid on the table.
In the second session of the day, supplementary list of the business were discussed on supplementary demands for grants for regularization of excess expenditure for the year 2007-08; consideration and passing of the Nagaland Appropriation (no.1) bill 2013; discussion and voting on supplementary demands for grants for the year 2012-13; introduction, consideration and passing of the Nagaland appropriation (no.2) bill 2013 & (no.3) bill 2013; discussion and voting on the vote account for the year 2013-14 which was presented by chief minister and the bill was moved.
The motion on Governor’s address was adopted by the house and the speaker adjourned the assembly session sine-die.
Leave a Reply