NEPS
KOHIMA, May 10
Minister for PHED Noke Wangnao said many past and present Chief Ministers namely Vizol, Vamuzo, Rio could become Chief Minister of Nagaland with the support and blessings of the ENPO.
“It is time for payback to us,” he said asking “Whether you have the spirit of paying us back is a big question?”
Talking to NEPS here on Saturday, the Minister who had thrown his weight around for the coveted post of Chief Minister in the State reasserted that he was prepared to lead the State if he was asked by his party, NPF, to do so.
One of the top contenders for the post of Chief Minister in Nagaland, Noke reiterated his political stand and principle saying that he had never wavered from his “political ideology.”The Konyak strongman dismissed various news items that he would be just like a puppet and remote controlled allegedly by retired Chief Secretary Atemtemsi Jamir. “This is nothing but only trying to tarnish my political image by those who are afraid of my spotless clean political integrity and career,” he said. “I have long political innings spanning over 40 years and I think with these experiences I can smoothly run the affairs of the State.”
“I have been enjoying supports of many and I have full confidence that I can efficiently run the Government in the State,” Noke asserted, saying that those incapable of leading the State have been trying to “portray” him as “incapable.” “This is nothing but canards,” he stated.
Noke also admitted that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told him to take over from him as next Chief Minister. “And that stand is still there,” he said elaborating that Rio could have come up to this stage to pass on the baton of Chief Minister to him in view of his being not only the senior most regionalist but also amongst the legislators in the 12th Nagaland Assembly.
Asked about TR Zeliang’s camping with allegedly little over 20 NPF legislators at a resort in Assam’s Kaziranga Nationa Park, Noke stated that they should not indulge in such culture of camping. “If the power tussle is between the Congress and the NPF, then such camping may be alright,” he explained. But why such camping should be there within the NPF, he asked adding that such mentality should be checked.
“If we are to choose the leader for the post of the Chief Minister, then we should sit down and do it amongst us here,” he said. “But it should not be in the way taking place in Assam’s Kaziranga,” he stated.
