Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday asserted that NDPP candidate Tokheho Yepthomi’s victory in the Lok Sabha by-poll was an indication of the people’s trust in the PDA government to deliver the goods.
Addressing a programme organised to felicitate Yepthomi at Hotel Vivor here on Thursday evening, Rio alleged that NPF had based its entire campaign on false propaganda to woo the people, but failed to fool them. He declared that the winning margin of over 1.73 lakh votes was a thumping victory for the PDA and attributed the win to everyone for their effort.
Rio reiterated that the PDA had proven its adversaries that it could get absolute mandate of the people.
Acknowledging the voters for believing in the alliance and his leadership, Rio called on everyone to work together in the same spirit of unity to help his government implement its manifesto and the common minimum programme.
Meanwhile, Rio assured all support and guidance to the newly-elected MP and asked the latter to speak without fear or favour about Naga history, identity, the special status, Naga political issue and give top priority to solution of the Naga political issue.
In his speech, Yepthomi expressed his gratitude to God, the people and the PDA for giving him the opportunity to work for the people of Nagaland on a larger platform. “I accept this responsibility with all humility,” he remarked.
Being a new face in Parliament, he said he would constantly require the guidance of Rio and CM Chang, both of whom had represented Nagaland in Lok Sabha before, even as he assured to give his best and work alongside the PDA for the people of Nagaland.
Others who spoke on the occasion included– DY CM, Y. Patton, ministers– G. Kaito Aye, Tongpang Ozukum, Imnatiba, NDPP president & PDA chairman Chingwang Konyak, BJP president and PDA co-chairman Visasolie Lhoungu and other alliance partners– JD(U) and NPP.
Patton: Nagaland deputy chief minister, Y Patton, has congratulated Tokheho Yepthomi on being elected as Member of Parliament (MP) Lok Sabha and wished him wisdom, good health and a successful tenure.
Patton, who is also BJP Nagaland legislature party leader, has expressed gratitude to the people of the state for reposing their faith in the present government and electing the PDA consensus candidate, Tokheho Yepthomi. In a statement, media cell DCMO said Patton was humbled by the people’s mandate given to the PDA government.
Reaffirming the commitment for good governance driven by development and for the welfare of the people, Patton the deputy chief minister assured to provide strong and stable government. Patton also thanked the “entire BJP karyakartas” and all the supporters of PDA alliance partners of the state for their tireless efforts.
Further, the deputy chief minister thanked all the polling personnel, security forces and persons involved in the election process for the smooth and by and large peaceful conduct of the by-election in the state.
Congratulating the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, under whose leadership the PDA candidate could secure a massive mandate, Patton expressed confidence that the voice of the people would be “surely heard” in the Parliament through a seasoned and veteran politician Tokheho Yepthomi.
NPP: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland president, Ato Yepthomi, and his party colleagues have congratulated PDA nominee, Tokheho Yepthomi, on winning the Lok Sabha by-poll.
In a message, Ato also expressed gratitude to chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, for spearheading the PDA election campaign and ensuring victory for the alliance.