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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint public rally of the NDPP-BJP alliance in Nagaland on Friday, a day before the campaigning period for the February 27 polling ends.
Speaking to a huge gathering at Agri-Expo in Chümoukedima, the prime minister said the BJP's key focus for Nagaland are peace, progress, and prosperity, which is why people have faith in its leadership.
Modi, who was accompanied by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and several other ministers, said the Northeast has witnessed a 75% reduction in violence over the past nine years and the revocation of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from several areas is proof of the Centre’s commitment to the development of the region.
He said the government is working towards making the implementation of AFSPA no longer necessary and that it would take a firm stance against extortionists once the alliance comes to power in Nagaland after March 2, the day votes will be counted.
While highlighting the benefits of having National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments in various north-eastern states, the PM mentioned the successful resolution of border issues and attributed the support garnered in the region to the tireless efforts made towards the progress of north-eastern states.
Stressing on the importance of believing in one's people for the country's progress, he denounced divisive politics that had marred north-eastern politics in the past.
Modi said the government wants to connect Kohima with railway network after the state got its second railway station at Shokhuvi last year after a gap of more than a century. He also acknowledged the contribution of T. Ao, who led India national football team at the 1948 London Summer Olympics, and expressed his belief in the untapped potential of Nagas in the field of sports.
He praised the state’s annual event -- Hornbill Festival – and commended BJP Nagaland President, Temjen Imna Along, for effectively representing the state and the Northeast on social media, saying that the nation enjoys watching him, and he too is impressed by his representation. He also said the NDA government had appointed Nagaland's first female Rajya Sabha MP, S Phangnon Konyak.
The prime minister said the BJP does not discriminate based on region or religion, citing the help and vaccines being provided to all the citizens without any discrimination during the pandemic. He appealed to the gathering to support him in serving the people of Nagaland better and help fulfill his promises, which can only be possible if they elect their representatives.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Modi said the grand old party and its allies only seek votes from the region without any regard for its prosperity.
He recalled the political instability that plagued Nagaland during the Congress' rule, saying that it was due to ‘remote controlling’ by a family from Delhi’. The people of Nagaland and the Northeast are now punishing the Congress for their past actions, he said while accusing them of using the region as an ATM (automated teller machine) and diverting public funds towards corrupt practices.
Meanwhile, the BJP government has implemented technological solutions to combat corruption and ensure that funds reach the people directly, without any third-party cuts or commissions, he said. Unlike in the past where people had to pay for the ration entitlements and still not receive the full amount, the public is now receiving the benefit for free and in full, he added.
Modi went on to say that the BJP government does not view the Northeast as an ATM, but as a source of "Astalaxmi" (prosperity).
Chief Minister of Nagaland and others ministers spoke at the rally, which was also attended by several candidates from NDPP and BJP who are contesting in the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Heartfelt welcome to the Hon'ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Ji. His participation in today’s rally reaffirms his dev. commitment for a progressive Nagaland & the NE region. From the Look East to Act East Policy, he has changed India's mainstream political narrative about the NE pic.twitter.com/3BFW9exfdl
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 24, 2023