Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday asserted that the NDPP-led PDA government would never compromise with the faith and identity of the Nagas. He said this while addressing the People’s Democratic Alliance co-ordination committee meeting for election 18th Lok Sabha held at the NDPP Central office conference hall Monday
The chief minister dismissed Congress’s allegation that the BJP was anti-Christian and anti-minority. He said it was all rhetoric and propaganda of the Congress to exploit people.
He asserted that NDPP-led PDA government in Nagaland will “never compromise our faith and identity of the Nagas.”
Rio assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was dedicated to the development and welfare of all people, regardless of their religion or caste. The chief minister was all praises for Modi’s visionary leadership, maintaining that the country as well as Nagaland had witnessed considerable development under various welfare schemes.
Asserting that all the 60 legislators had chosen the right candidate– Dr Chumben Murry, Rio called upon constituents of the ruling PDA to give their best so as to ensure a win for the PDA consensus at the April 19 polling which was a few days away.
Rio attacked the other two rival candidates. He claimed that independent candidate Hayithung T. Lotha got only one percent vote when he contested the last election. He alleged that the candidate was standing for election even without support from family and friends.
On the main Congress rival, Rio alleged that Supongmeren Jamir who is also state Congress president was “contesting for the sake of it.”
He said the Congress had a very difficult time in finding a candidate for the Lok Sabha in Nagaland. Had the Congress not found a candidate despite being in power for a long time, it would have been a huge embarrassment for them.
Pointing out that the Congress was very weak in the country, Rio also expressed doubt about the Congress’s chance of winning at the national level.
He went on to hit out a Congress, reminding all that during their ten-year tenure, the Congress leadership (Prime Minister) had not visited Nagaland even once.
Rather, he said that the only action taken by the Congress in Nagaland was imposing President’s Rule and destabilizing the government. Rio was optimistic that Dr. Chumben Murry would emerge victorious and represent Nagaland in the Parliament, and push for finding an amicable solution to the Naga political issue.
Rio stressed that it was crucial for the people to carefully choose and elect an MP who will be part of the majority coalition at the Centre. In his speech, Dr Chumebn Murry said while going around he found many people considered BJP anti-Christian party, which he clarified was not true and accused the Congress of fear mongering. Referring to the Congress’s election manifesto, he highlighted the promise of formulating a law for LGBTQIA+. He claimed that the party had promised expanding Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability,impairment and sexual orientation.
As per the manifesto, he said the Congress would bring a law to recognise unions between couples belonging to LGBTQIA+ community, adding that this was very important considering from a Christian faith. He asked the people to consider if the Congress was really pro-Christian.
“We are living in a country where the population of Hindus is more than 82 percent and we cannot say that all Hindus are bad. The section of those Hindus who take to extreme steps and cause havoc are less than 1/2 percent. Therefore, we have to go into the minds of the good Hindus and bring about change,” Murry elaborated, assuring that if elected, he would work in this regard.
He also stressed on peace for progress and development. He observed that there was a feeling that the Naga political issue would take a crucial turn.
Noting that there had been a change in the perception of how people looked at their leaders now, Murry claimed that leaders in the mainland were also acknowledging that the Naga issue was political, not just some law and order issue.
He asserted “India cannot develop without the northeast area. And this is very positive for us. Under Modi government, many Central ministers had also visited Nagaland to see the grassroots for themselves.” He urged the youth to help bring about more positive changes in the days to come.
Speaking on the occasion, NPF legislator Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu extended full support to Murry. He thanked the PDA coordination committee for inviting NPF to the fold. He declared that NPF workers and supporters would work to ensure the victory of the PDA’s consensus candidate.
He said some people were trying to make an issue of the 60 MLAs coming together. But, he clarified that they had all come together to push for a solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
Assuring that they were all serious in resolving the Naga political issue, Azo said that people’s votes would represent their voice in the upcoming election.
In his speech, advisor for Prison, Printing & Stationery Kropol Vitsu said that the BJP was a secular political party, adding that they people were smart enough to know the difference between truth and lies that were being spread on social media. He cautioned everyone to be careful of fake news being peddled in the social media.
He was hopeful that Modi would bring a solution to Nagaland political issue and urged all to stand together and support one another. Referring to Modi’s dream of a developed India by 2047, he called for translating that dream into a reality by ensuring that the Northeast was not left behind in this.
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, NPP legislator, assured full support from the party. He wished Murry and hoped he would win the election by a landslide margin. He remarked that when the entire nation was confident that the Modi government would come back to power, it would be foolish for the people of Nagaland to send someone who would be in the opposition.
He reasoned that if the Nagaland’s representative sat in the opposition’s bench, it would be hard for him to say anything on the behalf of the people. He observed that some parties were making an issue of Hindus versus Christians, but stressed that this should not be allowed to happen.
Kevipodi Sophie, MLA of 14-Southern Angami – 1 A/C, also expressed his support for the PDA’s consensus candidate and hoped that Murry would represent all the Nagas, asserting “Our candidate is the voice of our people.”
Stating that some social media posts were trying to brainwash people with all kinds of fake information and news, he asked the people to be cautious of what they come across.
Women Resources Development and Horticulture minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse pronounced the welcome address.
The programme was chaired by NDPP Kohima region Prasalie Pienyü, while Police Baptist Church, 4th NAP, youth director Thizama Vimeko Sophie blessed the programme with invocation.
School Education and SCERT adviser Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome pronounced the vote of thanks. He also announced that prizes would be given for the best disciplined polling station and biggest turnout.