‘Migratory parties’ will contest election and vanish, says Rio

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday took a swipe at new political parties that were in the fray for the ensuing assembly election, saying they were “migratory parties” entering the state from outside just to contest election, but would vanish later.
Rio’s charge directed at the sudden appearance then disappearance of the plethora of political parties was the same voiced out by then chief minister Dr. S.C. Jamir.
Campaigning for NDPP candidate for 3 Dimapur III assembly constituency Hekani Jakhalu at Doyapur Ground on Saturday, Rio has, however, expressed confidence that NDPP-BJP alliance will form the next government and therefore urged all to vote for the right candidate.
He reiterated that proposal to continue with 40:20 seat sharing alliance between BJP and NDPP was made by BJP considering NDPP was a regional party and to respect the sentiments of Christian-majority state.
Commenting on ticket allocation especially for 3 Dimapur III, where sitting MLA, Azheto Zhimomi, was denied party ticket, Rio said that winnability factor and strength of the candidate was taken into consideration.
He said that since NDPP was not a high command party it considers the findings and assessment of the ground situation. “NDPP is a regional party, regional in character, national in outlook and to think and act globally,” Rio stated. Rio also stated that if any women candidates got elected to the assembly, it would be the first in the history of Nagaland legislative assembly. “It is not a matter to give vote to Hekani because she is a woman, but to vote for her for her strength and leadership quality,” Rio stated.
Meanwhile, NDPP candidate for 3 Dimapur -III Hekani Jakhalu, delivering speech at the rally, assured to work for youth development, women empowerment, minority rights, and to make 3 Dimapur III AC a model constituency.
Jakhalu said she received NDPP ticket not because of her strength but because of love and support of some many people.
She later urged all gathering to vote for the right candidate. She asked the electorates to think of this election as the start of a new chapter.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NDPP 3 Dimapur III AC working president, Tohoshe Awomi, and invocation by DBCD pastor Rev Simon Khemprai.
Short speeches were also delivered by former president of Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland, SK Khemprai; NDPP 3 Dimapur III AC working president & former chairman, Bade Village, Kiesalie Thopi and Dr LK Achumi, retired district judge and former president of WSH. A special number was also presented by NK Naga.