Higher Education and Tourism minister Temjen Imna Along has likened the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc with the smoke that would soon be blown away as the BJP would continue to shine bright. Interacting with a section of media fraternity on the sideline of inauguration of KFC outlet at Darogapathar here on Friday, Along remarked that the INDIA was like “a lot of smoke”.
He however asserted that the opposition alliance would have no impact on the ground and that the BJP would come back to power once again in the 2024 general elections. Citing the recent Assembly election where the BJP emerged victorious in three states, he expressed confidence that the party would also prevail in the Lok Sabha election next year. Asked whether the NDPP-BJP alliance would contest the state’s lone Lok Sabha seat, he replied that leadership of both the parties would decide on the matter.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and chief minister Neiphiu Rio would take the decision at the appropriate time. Citing his current role as a party worker and his limited information on party matters, he maintained that discussions within the alliance would determine the course of action.
“As NDPP and BJP are in alliance, there would be thorough consultations before arriving at a decision,” he maintained.
On the potential lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, Along emphasised a conscientious decision involving the civil society, NGOs, and the government. He underscored the importance of the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues of exercising their wisdom in taking a decision in the best interest of Naga people.
Noting that there were many people who were consuming alcohol by paying more, the presence of syndicates and consumption of spurious liquor, he lamented that Nagas shied away from speaking the truth and accepting the reality.
Highlighting these issues he suggested that lifting the ban could be beneficial if the matter was approached responsibly.
However, he reiterated the necessity for a careful and consultative process involving church bodies, NGOs, and the Naga people at large.
Responding to the proposal for lifting the prohibition only from Dimapur, he rejected the selective approach. He opined that if the prohibition was to be lifted, it should be done comprehensively with due diligence and consideration for both Dimapur and other regions.
Asked on the preparations for the upcoming jubilee celebration of the Hornbill Festival, Along disclosed that a thorough consultation would be held to ensure a well-organised and memorable celebration.