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(From L-R) JD(U) Nagaland chairman, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, JD(U) Nagaland president Senchumo (NSN) Lotha, and minister for agriculture G Kaito Aye during a felicitation programme at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, on March 27. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, March 27 (EMN): President of the state Janata Dal (United), Senchumo (NSN) Lotha, has said that his party had a pre-poll understanding for a post-poll alliance with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) but was never in an agreement for a pre-poll alliance.
“There was a pre-poll understanding with NPF for a post poll alliance, but there was never a pre-poll alliance between the two parties,” Lotha said while delivering the presidential address during the felicitation programme for the lone JD (U) candidate G Kaito Aye on March 27 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. Aye won from 36 Satakha assembly constituency seat by defeating NPF candidate Zheito Chophy and NDPP candidate Ghukhui Zhomomi.
It may be recalled that NPF party had slammed both the JD (U) and National People’s Party (NPP) for deviating from their pre-poll agreement. The same was echoed by the former chief minister, TR Zeliang, on March 24 during the first session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Raising the issue, Zeliang said the both JD (U) and NPP had defied the pre-poll agreement in clear violation of the age-old tradition.
Justifying his party’s stance, JD (U) Lotha said that the two parties had never inked for a pre-poll alliance.
“In politics, different circumstances determine the journey and that was what opted for,” Lotha asserted.
While congratulating the Aye for his victory, Lotha expressed hope that he (Aye) would be the guiding star for the party in the days to come.
Though the party could win only in one seat, Lotha assured that his party would give a meaningful representation by standing firm on what they have promised to the people.
JD (U) had won one seat out of the total 15 candidates fielded in the last state assembly election. Lotha has lauded all the defeated candidates for putting up a tough fight against their opponents. “Due to various circumstances, some of you could not put up an honourable fight. But I am hopeful that we will be able to contribute and deliver to the people through the lone winning candidate,” he added.
Lotha reiterated that the JD (U) would carry on performing as a political party emphasising on its priorities. Stating that the Naga political issue is one of their top agendas, Lotha said his party would continue to contribute in the effort of finding an early solution.
He further asserted that the JD (U) Nagaland unit would not shy away from raising their voice against any act of corruption in the state.
Minister for agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye has assured the people that there would be a big push in the agriculture and allied sector during his tenure.
Aye, who is part of the council of ministers of the People’s Democratic Alliance government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, was given the charge of the concerned department on March 12, five days after taking oath of secrecy on March 8.
Addressing a host of party workers during the felicitation programme, arranged by JD (U) in honour of his victory today at Hotel Japfü, Aye has thanked the chief minister for entrusting him with the said portfolio. He has assured to be farmers’ friendly and work in the best of his ability to transform the agri and allied sector.
“As a responsible party, let us be committed to fulfil our manifesto and also contribute in shaping the future destiny of our state,” Aye said adding that he would pursue to the fullest on whatever comes his way.
The veteran politician also advised his party and workers to remain vigilant and be “very careful” in all of their decisions and dealings, so that the image of the party is protected all the time.
“Now that we have become stakeholders in the government, I am sure JD(U) will have a big share in nation building,” he said.
Aye further advised the party leaders to be sensible in their approach and dealings and not to go blind as he fears he could be the victim of their own creation.
To his fellow, JD (U) candidates, who could not come out successful, Aye urged them not to be discouraged. “My victory is your victory,” Aye said adding that he would always be forthcoming to the party.
A host of JD (U) candidates attended the function, Other candidates including L Temjen Jamir, Ramongo Lotha, N Aphao Konyak, H Mukam, Yangseo Sangtam and chairman of state JD (U) Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe also delivered short speeches.