New government has many important decisions to make on pressing issues, says Nagaland CM Rio

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday expressed confidence that the NDPP-BJP alliance will form the new government and that its core objective is finding solution to the Naga political issue.

He stated this while addressing the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) election rally at Chozuba Town local ground in Phek district.

Highlighting that this is his 49th year in politics, he thanked God and the people, while recalling his association with former Chief Minister Vamuzo who gave him unstinted support during his tenure from 1990 to 1992.

Recalling how the Nagaland People's Council (now NPF) boycotted the general election in 1998 but the Congress went ahead and formed the government, he reiterated the importance of the regional party for the Naga people.

On party ticket allotment, he said it was done according to the NDPP-BJP seat-sharing deal, and subsequently eight of the NDPP sitting MLAs were not given the ticket. He added that tickets were issued based on the recommendation at the grassroots level and respective constituencies.

In this regard, he urged the party workers to work hard and the electorates to vote for the NDPP candidate, Kudecho Khamo so that he can be in the ruling government and bring development to Chozuba AC.

While expressing hope over the NSCN (IM) and the WC-NNPG working together for early resolution to the Naga political issue, he told the gathering what the centre had shared with the government as facilitator about post-solution scenario, including increase in the number of seats both in the state Assembly and the Parliament.

“To resolve the Naga Political issue will be the core issue of the new government in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly,” Rio said, adding that the NDPP and BJP will get majority and form the government.

Clarifying that there is no alliance with any other political party, he said the choice before the people is either to be in the ruling government or in the opposition.

Pointing out the lapses in the 2001 census, which the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) had objected to using it as record for delimitation, he stated that his government had resolved not to use it, adding that the 14th NLA will be taking crucial decisions for the Naga people.

Maintaining that delimitation should be done justly unlike the previous one, he said Tenyimia should exhibit sincerity and integrity by delivering justice to all.

The chief minister also expressed concern over the census, electoral rolls, and household bogus data, asserting that it should be properly reviewed and done with transparency for posterity.

He went on to say that the new government will take a decision on the demand of the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation.

He went on to say that the new government will take a decision on the demand of the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation and conduct Urban Local Body (ULB) election with 33% reservation for women.

While maintaining that the NDPP, which fought the 2018 election with the slogan ‘Change is coming’, had delivered development in road connectivity and other sectors across the state, he also encouraged the people to avail the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Chief Minister Microfinance Initiative (CMMI) scheme.

Stating that the NDPP as a people's party needs people’s participation, he appealed to the electorates of 18 Chozuba AC to elect Kudecho Khamo for the development of the constituency.

Rio is undisputed leader, says Kronu

Speaking at the rally, minister Neiba Kronu said NDPP is a strong political party today and would form the next government with the BJP, while requesting the voters of Chozuba AC to elect NDPP Candidate Kudecho Khamo so that he could bring development.

“There's no question on leadership and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is the 'undisputed leader' in the state,” he added..

Khamo, in his speech, acknowledged the chief minister for having concern for the constituency and sanctioning development projects over the past years, besides allotting him the party ticket.

Maintaining that Chozuba had for so long been deprived of development, he told the gathering on the importance of being in the ruling government to bring change.

He shared that his vision is to work for youth empowerment, be it employment in various sectors, sports or entrepreneurship. He also exuded hope that this election will be historic towards transcending a new dawn for the constituency.

Rear also: Union Minister Sonowal addresses election rallies for NDPP-BJP alliance in Nagaland