NDPP-BJP alliance will give a stable govt. — Dy. CM Y Patton

A day after being sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Nagaland for the second time, Y Patton, on Wednesday, said the NDPP-BJP alliance will give a stable government as mandated by the people of Nagaland.

“The alliance government will strive to fulfill the aspirations of the people in the best way possible during this upcoming tenure,” he said while thanking Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for entrusting him to serve the people as deputy CM for the second term.

Addressing a press conference in Kohima, Patton said the state government, under the leadership of Rio, had played a major role as facilitators to the Naga political issue and will continue to do so in order to find a permanent solution, sooner than later, under the present dispensation.

He added that the government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is ‘very sincere and serious’ in finding a final solution to the Naga political issue.

The two negotiating parties — Union government and Naga political groups — will have to come to an understanding for the successful conclusion of the peace talks and the NDPP-BJP government will continue to pursue the matter as facilitators, he said.

On ULB election

Patton informed that the cabinet held its first meeting on Tuesday after the swearing-in ceremony of the chief minister and council of ministers.

He added that it discussed the conduct of municipal and town councils elections in the state by May end as directed by the Supreme Court.

It may be mentioned that the apex court had in July last year directed the State Election Commission to “complete” and “declare results” of ULB election before the end of January 2023 and listed the matter for compliance in February, following which the government decided to seek more time citing “difficulties” faced by the state.

Opposition-less government in offing?

While confirming that the newly formed government has received letters of support from various political parties as well as Independent candidates who won four seats, Patton said the alliance is yet to discuss the matter.

On whether the NDPP-BJP alliance will accept the support extended by various political parties and pave the way for another all-party government, Patton didn’t rule out the possibility, saying that it is currently comfortable, having won 37 seats in 60-member assembly, but would discuss as several parties have extended letter of support.

The BJP leader also shared that the party was expecting to win more seats in the recent election but it managed to retain only 12, which it won in the 2018, following the defeat of some prospective candidates. “At least we are not down,” he added.

When asked if he would retain the Home portfolio, he refused to comment, saying that it is the prerogative of the chief minister and the portfolios will also be allocated within few days.

On BJP’s cabinet seat being reduced to five from the previous six, he reasoned that the NDPP had won 25 out of 40 seats it contested while BJP won only 12. He added that Rio had requested for an increase of NDPP’s share, which was accepted by BJP Central leadership.

On creation of two deputy CM posts, one of which is held by TR Zeliang, he said the chief minister had arranged it out of necessity for administrative convenience, while pointing out that other states have two-three deputy chief ministers.

Words of gratitude

The senior BJP legislator thanked everyone who contributed to the victory of NDPP-BJP alliance in the recent election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly despite many challenges and difficulties.

He congratulated all the elected legislators led by Rio for their success.

Patton thanked Modi, Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, and National Secretary BL Santosh, for their unconditional support and guidance. He also thanked a host of BJP leadership including Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Arjun Munda, John Barla, Rajeev Chandrashekar; Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma; National Spokesperson and Prabhari Nagaland, Nalin Kohli; Coordinator BJP Northeast states Sambit Batra; and National Secretary and Co-coordinator Northeast Rituraj Sinha, among others, for their help and support.

He went on to hail the BJP workers led by BJP state president Temjen Imna Along for their dedicated efforts.

“Together we will work again for peace and development and good governance of our state Nagaland,” he said.

Also read: Mhathung Yanthan appointed pro-tem Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly