T.R. Zeliang asks BJP, Cong to desist from ‘paper war’

Drawing attention to the paper war between BJP and NPCC, Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang has appealed to both the party organiztions to “desist from issuing provocative and confrontational statements against each other” in the media as it created confusion and apprehension among people on the objective of the present “all-party government” that also included independent members.

In a statement issued through the CM’s media cell, the chief minister said though both BJP and Congress were known to be major political rivals at the Centre yet it needed to be understood, that the ‘All Party Government’ was formed in lieu of the “peculiar situation” Nagas were presently going through and also the need to work collectively towards an early solution to the Naga political problem.  

Zeliang appreciated the wisdom of all legislators, especially the magnanimity of the BJP and Congress, in giving each other space to be part of the present government, despite their political differences at the centre. 

The chief minister expressed confidence that such a collective move at a time when Nagas were passing through a crucial phase “ will surely bear fruit”.  

He said the coming together of all legislators in pushing forward the Naga political issue, despite their party principles and ideological differences, “ is historic and a very rare opportunity for the Nagas.”

Hence, Zeliang asserted, no individual or party should try to “misinterpret the current arrangement for their own vested interests”. 

Further, the chief minister said as  he reposed confidence on each of the legislators; so various party leaders including independents “ will need to respect this unique arrangement in the larger interests of the Nagas.”

Zeliang cautioned that there was only a limited time left on the tenure of the present government to work for the people and so any political upheaval in the state would only disturb the sole objective of governance.

The chief minister therefore appealed to all legislators, irrespective of political affiliation, to work collectively towards good governance and to accomplish what no single party could achieve in their respective regimes.