Polling stations to cover entire state, including Eastern Nagaland: Y Patton

State deputy chief minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) Y Patton on Friday informed that polling would be set up throughout the state, including Eastern Nagaland.
He said this while responding to a query by media persons regarding whether the state government was prepared face any potential incidents, considering that polling stations would be open even in Eastern Nagaland areas despite strong opposition to take part in the electoral process.

Interacting with the media after the meeting of the BJP legislators along with party workers at state BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi’s residence, Patton said that the state government would continue to appeal Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) to participate in the upcoming election.
On ENPO blaming the state government for their decision to abstain from taking part in the election, Patton said: “They should not blame the state government. At the outset they did not consult the state government.” He said that the state government was doing its best to resolve the matter.

Dismissing NPCC’s accusation that the BJP-NDPP had failed to protect Naga identity and faith, Patton said that the Congress was merely engaging in political rhetoric with no substantial basis. He challenged them to continue their criticism, unfazed by their accusations.
When asked about the details of the meeting, Patton responded that the meeting was held to discuss the upcoming visit of BJP national president JP Nadda.

On the other hand, advisor for Elections and Tribal Affairs H Tovihoto Ayemi expressed confidence that PDA’s consensus candidate Dr Chumben Murry would win the election to the state’s Lok Sabha election scheduled on April 19.
Describing him as a “fine gentleman and perfect candidate”, he asserted that Murry would emerge as the winner with the support of all 60 MLAs.
When asked about the statement made by Clean Election Movement (CEM) of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), he replied he was not aware how all of a sudden a branch of NBCC came out with the statement.

He said it was their view, adding that everything was fine. He also wondered why these things happened only during elections. “That is the view of a section of people. I have nothing to comment on that,” he added.
With regard to AICC general secretary and in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh terming the NDPP as a “washing machine” for the BJP in the state, Tovihoto said he could not react to every statement made by any central leadership or any politician of any party, including the Congress.
Pointing out that the Congress was nonexistent in the state, he said the ruling coalition was just not bothered about the party and do not feel the need to counter every statement it made.