ECI directive vindicates stand on majority, says Noke & Kaito

Noke Wangnao and G.Kaito Aye have claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) order issued on March 27 indicated that ECI had not received the list of elected NPF office bearers even after the general convention held in November 2014. They said when NPF was asked for the list on December 31, 2014, different letters and communiqués were received in January 2015 after which ECI realised that there were internal problems within NPF.

Further, they said the ECI did not recognise the suspension on nine MLAs by Dr. Shurhozelie but recognised that Noke group had 20 MLAs and Shurhozelie and T.R.’s camp has only 16 MLAs.

According to Noke and Kaito, the ECI also did not count MLAs who had signed in favour of both camps and therefore, claimed that Noke group was acknowledged by ECI as having overwhelming majority. 

They claimed that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) list submitted by Dr. Shürhozelie was in doubt and therefore rejected by ECI. 

On the Election Commission of India directive to resolve the issue within the party, they said it was clear that it was on the basis of 2/3rds majority of the general convention or secondly to resolve the matter amicably in the interest of the party in the state. 

Noke and Kaito expressed confidence that they have the overwhelming majority within the party organisations with majority of divisions, A/Cs, working committee, CEC, grass root workers. 

Further, they reiterated that they have consistently been attempting to resolve the issue amicably through appeals, statements and extension of olive branch to all sections of the party which they said, had also been acknowledged by the ECI.

In response to the ECI, Noke and Kaito said they have unanimously resolved not to take any action that would jeopardise the process of unity and reconciliation within the party.