Shürho warns against BJP
NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu claimed that his party never allowed a free hand to BJP during its 14 years of association with the latter and refused even seat-sharing arrangement for the current election which the saffron party had asked for.
He said this while addressing an election rally of NPF at Panchayat Hall, Zubza for the party’s candidate from 8th Western Angami constituency, Keneizhakho Nakhro. Dr. Shürhozelie also said the newly-floated NDPP was not even recognized as a political party by Election Commission of India. Dr. Shürhozelie likened NDPP to a newly-established unrecognized village or school and that it was about to get married to BJP and trying to give birth to “BJP child” on Naga soil.
Liezietsu said people might not be aware of the fact that NDPP was aligning with BJP to allow the latter to set its roots in Nagaland and persecute Nagas.
He accused BJP of stating that it was recognised by saffron colour, which was worn by Hindu sadhus, and urged the Nagas not to gamble their faith with politics.
Dr. Shürhozelie maintained that NPF was a party for the Nagas, inherited from their forefathers and formed for peace and development of the people.
He asserted that the ensuing Assembly election was not just an electoral battle among political parties for formation of a government, but an acid test for the Nagas to preserve their identity and faith.
Stating that political parties talked about visions and indulged in propagandas against other parties in any election, the NPF leader, however, cautioned the Nagas to be wary about all these.
He reminded the Nagas to give a serious thought on the letter issued by Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Nagaland Christian Revival Churches.
While claiming that many achievements had taken place in Nagaland during its rule for 15 years, Liezietsu admitted that the outgoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly witnessed some of the greatest crisis in the history of Nagaland. Attributing this to some “corrupt and power-hankering” leaders, he asserted that this time NPF had fielded “fresh, committed and winnable” candidates who had concern for the welfare of the Naga people.
In his brief address, candidate Nakhro said Naga society required change and that his desire was social progress.
T.R. Zeliang hits out at Rio’s accusations
Correspondent
MON, FEB 20 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, TR Zeliang accused NDPP’s CM candidate, Neiphiu Rio of targeting him by speaking ill of him throughout his election rally, instead of speaking about his party’s manifesto or its alliance with BJP, proving that his party had no agenda, roadmap or manifesto.
Addressing an election rally of NPF at NST station here on Tuesday, Zeliang alleged that there were two reasons for Rio leaving State politics and contesting in MP election – at first, he was expecting a ministerial berth in the Union Cabinet and, secondly, he wanted to escape from the deficit of Rs 1,234 crore incurred during his tenure as chief minister.
But after being denied a ministerial berth in the Centre, Rio tried to return to State politics and attempted several times to become chief minister, but each time he failed, Zeliang added. He further accused Rio of spreading rumours about him being a follower of Heraka, RSS activist, a Hindu, etc, just to fool the people despite the fact that his family members were the first converts who had sacrificed to make their village hundred per cent Christian.
Clarifying on the controversy generated over his educational qualification, Zeliang claimed that he had never applied for a government job nor did he ever submitted his educational certificates while filing nomination, other than mentioning BA appeared.
The only mistake, according to him, was that his personal secretary had mistakenly entered the year 1980, instead of 1979, while filing nomination during the last election.
Emphasising that seat-sharing and coalition were two different things, the chief minister accused Rio of opening the gateway for BJP to freely participate in Nagaland Assembly election, a Christian-majority State.
Further dismissing accusations that he was the most corrupt leader, Zeliang challenged people to pinpoint the area or government projects where corruption had taken place. Instead, he claimed that during the four years of leadership he managed to bring more than Rs 200 crore from the Centre for development of tourism sector in Nagaland, adding that similar focus was being given in road connectivity too.
Accusing the NDPP leader of being involved in corruption, he named Niathu and Noune resorts as examples where government funds were allegedly diverted for his personal gain. He also accused the Lok Sabha member of selling his own land for construction of a cricket stadium at Sovima. “And not satisfied with that, Rio enhanced the price from Rs 25 crore to Rs 75 crore,” he alleged.
Appealing the gathering to give a second thought while electing their representatives, Zeliang said, if they took a wrong decision, it would take time for Nagas to come back to the right track. He appealed the people to seek God’s guidance in electing the right candidate.
NPF legislators EE Pangteang, N. Thongwang and Eshak and others also attended the rally.
NPF party cries after BJP’s rebuff: Neiphiu Rio
Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 20 (NPN): NDPP-BJP alliance chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio has alleged that NPF’s criticism of BJP and NDPP stemmed from the fact that NPF was rebuffed by BJP on several occasions when NPF sought to ally with it. He said this while campaigning for NDPP’s 8th western Angami constituency candidate Er Kevisekho Kruse at WAPO Ground, Sechii Zubza on Tuesday evening.
On allegations that NDPP formed alliance with BJP despite fully knowing about BJP’s Hindutva ideology and anti-Christian attitude, Rio clarified that BJP is a political and not a religious party.
He also said the constitution of India guaranteed freedom of religion and that no BJP candidate from Nagaland had become a Hindu.
On the issue of losing culture and identity raised by NPF, Rio pointed out that as per article 371 (A) for Nagaland no Act of parliament could change Naga culture, tradition and customary practices. He asserted that the NDPP-BJP alliance would never compromise with the religion and culture of Nagas.
On why he left NPF, Rio said it was because the leaders lacked vision and direction, which left him with no choice but to leave the NPF.
He further took a dig at the much vaunted ‘Vision 2030’ which NPF proudly released saying it was in fact prepared under the guidance of NDPP member Alemtemshi Jamir.
He charged the present NPF government of not undertaking any developmental activities in the State but leaving behind only a legacy of corruption, unresolved scholarship issue, bad roads, etc.
Rio underlined that NDPP manifesto had already promised to get Central-sponsored schemes to be financed entirely by the Centre, besides developing roads and economic corridors in synch with Modi’s Act East policy.
In his address, NDPP candidate Kruse predicted that change in incumbent was imminent in the State to herald in a new era of development, even as he exuded confidence that NDPP-BJP alliance would form a stable government.
NDPP Kohima region president Avio Tetseo, party’s vice president Nagaland Menuovilie Kesiezie and former MLA Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu also addressed the gathering.
The programme was led by NDPP’s 8th Western Angami constituency president Vitsalhou Kesiezie, while the welcome address was delivered by Sechii Zubza head GB Sacha Rhatsu. The vote of thanks was proposed by NDPP Kohima region secretary Seyiekhrielie Nagi.