NDPP accepts people’s mandate; party, CM Rio congratulate Supongmeren

DIMAPUR — With the Indian National Congress (INC) wresting Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha seat as the votes were counted on Tuesday, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) said it graciously accepts the mandate of the people.

The NDPP congratulated INC candidate S Supongmeren Jamir on his victory and wished him the best, while expressing hope that he will take forward the aspirations and voice of the people in the Parliament as the lone representative of the Naga people.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also took to microblogging site X to congratulate the winning candidate.

“Congratulations, Shri S. Supongmeren Jamir on winning the lone Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland. The citizens of the State have chosen you to be their elected representative. I wish you the best in carrying out your responsibility of serving the people effectively,” he wrote.

In a press statement, the NDPP stated that “for a democracy to be strong, vibrant and successful, the peoples’ will to participate in the democratic process of electing leaders of their choice is paramount, and the people of Nagaland have ensured that democracy has once again emerged victorious”.

Affirming that the NDPP, throughout the period of election, had maintained a dignified and matured campaign without maligning any party or candidate, the party however claimed that this time, the electoral battle was not just political but also involved huge social and religious aspects which went against the fabrics of secularism.

The NDPP also lauded its party candidate Dr. Chumben Murry for having bravely fought the elections despite the numerous challenges throughout.

“His dexterity and determination should be taken as an example by the rank and file of the NDPP as we revamp and reflect on the recent results of the elections,” it said.

The NDPP also congratulates all party men and women who had selflessly worked from day one for the party and the candidate.

It went on to laud the chief minister and the members of the NDPP Parliamentary Board for having led the battle despite challenges faced in every assembly constituency.

“The hon’ble chief minister needs to be specially commended for trying his best in convincing and clarifying issues raised in the public domain, especially on issues related to religion,” it stated.

Further, the NDPP conveyed gratitude to all its alliance partners and Independents for the help and assistance. It also placed on record its gratitude to the BJP national president JP Nadda for campaigning for PDA consensus candidate in Nagaland.

Despite the setback, the NDPP assured that it would continue to remain committed to its promises to serve the people of Nagaland.

On the upcoming elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs), the party called upon the people to come forward and participate in the local body elections to ensure that they elect the capable leaders who will take care of “our towns and municipalities since we are getting this opportunity after a gap of 20 years”.

“The NDPP once again congratulates the Election Commission of India (ECI), the State Election Department, all agencies of the government and law enforcing agencies for carrying out peaceful and successful elections despite facing monumental challenges including the boycott call in large parts of the state,” the party said.

“We further assure the people of Nagaland that our efforts towards the overall development and progress of the State will not waver, but rather we will work harder and with renewed commitment for the welfare of every citizen of Nagaland,” it added.