NPF will lose relevance, says Rio

NDPP’s chief ministerial candidate, Neiphiu Rio on Monday spelled doom his former party, observing that NPF party will slowly lose relevance and fade away mainly due to “lack of honest leaders” in the party.
Campaigning for NDPP candidate from 39 A/C Sanis,  Mhathung Yanthan, at Lotsu village ground, Rio launched a scathing attack particularly on his friend-turned-foe-turned-friend-turned- foe again, Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang and NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie and the NPF party in general. In an escalation of the ongoing war of words between the two rival chief ministerial candidates, Rio branded the leadership of Zeliang as one that was build on lies, deceit, hunger for power and a leadership that has utter disregard for public, adding that for these reasons the public and even the BJP had rejected NPF.
The former Lok Sabha MP found fodder in Zeliang’s report card, as he came down heavily upon Zeliang pointing out incidents/issues under Zeliang’s governance such as the non payment of teachers salaries and ULB elections. Rio assured that his government would restore rule of law and provide stable and systematic government.
Upping the ante, Rio accused Zeliang of causing rampant corruption and pocketing public money, remarking that it was not just in the departments but corruption stemmed from the CMO. Rio was referring to the reported interrogation of three CMO officials allegedly by the NIA recently.
On the recent rhetoric of the NPF that raised concern over BJP’s secular credentials, Rio, while clarifying that BJP was a political, not religious party, accused the NPF of spreading false propaganda against BJP after relationship soured between the two parties. He wondered why NPF was suddenly raising unfounded concerns against BJP as BJP had been active in Nagaland for the past 15 years.
In his reply to Dr. Shürhozelie who discredited NDPP for being a new and unrecognised party, Rio dismissed the statement saying it was mere propaganda as every new party had to undergo some technical process to gain recognition from ECI.
Also addressing the concerns raised by NBCC and other Christian institutions, Rio stated, “We are standing to protect our religious rights,” adding his party condemned persecution of Christians and communal forces. Rio further spoke about the elusive Naga solution and assured that with good leader and governance, his government would wholeheartedly pursue solution, facilitate and pave way for smooth transition. He also highlighted the development plans of his government if voted to power.
Rio also vouched for NDPP candidate from 39 A/C Sanis, Mhathung Yanthan, saying he had great faith in him. 
Yanthan in his address pitched his developmental plans for the area and its people.  Also speaking on the occasion, NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak assured to provide a responsible and responsive government.
Dr. John Murry, Treasures NDPP Central also addressed the gathering.
Rio was acco mpanied by NDPP Central officials.