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Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with changing the mainstream political narrative India has about the Northeast.
“From the Look East to Act East Policy, you have changed the mainstream political narrative India has about the Northeast. We remember what you famously echoed, ‘India will not develop if the Northeast is not developed’,” said the chief minister.
Rio was speaking at the joint public rally of BJP and NDPP in the presence of Narendra Modi, who is in poll-bound Nagaland to address a campaign, at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima.
The chief minister said Modi’s participation in Friday’s rally reaffirmed the latter’s development commitment for a progressive Nagaland and the Northeast region.
On Naga political issue, Rio said though former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recognised the “uniqueness” of Naga history, it is under Modi’s leadership that a greater understanding has come about between the Nagas and the rest of India.
“And this brings us closer to a successful political dialogue. We have now seen the signing of the Framework Agreement, the Agreed Position and the removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from selected areas,” he said.
Affirming that resolution of the decades-old Naga political issue is the top agenda of the state government, he expressed optimism that the political dialogue between the Government of India and the Naga political groups will reach a meaningful convergence.
“And we are all expecting the end result (solution) to be honourable, inclusive and acceptable. Both the GoI and the Naga political groups have our assurances,” said Rio.
On the developmental front, Rio said Nagaland constantly needs the Centre’s assistance, as unlike other states, the state is unable to sustain on its own. He urged the prime minister to positively consider implementing various developmental projects in the state.
Rio also said the youth of Nagaland are vibrant, capable and innovative, and that given the opportunities, they can make greater contributions towards India’s growth.
He said the people of Nagaland look forward to Modi’s guidance and leadership in realising these collective aspirations.
The chief minister also highlighted the myriad “holistic government schemes” initiated by the prime minister with his vision -- ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’ -- to build an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Further, he recalled the genesis of the alliance between BJP and regional party in Northeast region beginning with former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s visit to Nagaland in 2003, where the latter garnered worthy praises from the Naga people.
“As such, the alliance between BJP and a regional party in Northeast region was first achieved in Nagaland. It is now 20 years that this alliance has been successfully presiding under my leadership,” he said.
The chief minister also thanked Modi for constantly guiding him and for reposing faith in his leadership.
Earlier in the programme, Jacob Zhimomi, BJP candidate from Ghaspani I AC, delivered the welcome address.
BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli; Tovihoto Ayemi, BJP candidate from Dimapur I AC; Hekani Jakhalu, NDPP candidate from Diampur III AC; Moatoshi Longkumer, NDPP candidate from Dimapur II AC and Zhaleo Rio, NDPP candidate from Ghaspani II AC also addressed the rally.