Dimapur, Dec. 28: Altogether 50 aspirants sought NPF tickets to contest in 23 wards in the Dimapur Municipal Council election slated for February 1, 2017.
The Dimapur unit of the party on Wednesday conducted introductory programme for the intending candidates at SM College auditorium hall Dimapur in presence of PHE Minister Tokheho Yepthomi.
Addressing the NPF ticket aspirants, Tokheho announced that two amendments will be brought in the next budget session of the State Assembly to give voting power to the nominees and also to introduce the 10th Schedule. He said the elections to urban local bodies had to be delayed because of disagreement among different NGOs and tribal groups.
“Nagas are confused and we do not have clear understanding where we stand even after 53 years of statehood,” Tokheho observed. He also stated Article 371 (a) cannot be dragged in every issue and added that the government is functioning as per the Constitution. The NPF also introduced women intending candidates for the election to the Dimapur Municipal Council. On the 33% women reservation, the legislator maintained “one has not taken into consideration on how women should be regarded” and that the State Government has taken a strong decision on the women issue.
He challenged the womenfolk to perform better than their male counterparts as the government is taking every stand to encourage and promote them. He also asked the candidates not to shift their loyalty when elected.
Taking a dig at his former party Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s statement on civic body elections, Tokheho said Congress was lacking in candidates and that they may attempt to ‘entice’ few individuals from NPF party.
