NDPP, BJP refute Congress’ allegation of delaying Indo-Naga political solution

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 19 (EMN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday rebutted the Congress’ allegations that the Indo-Naga political solution has been delayed as the saffron party and the chief minister want to use NSCN (IM) to win the 2023 assembly election.

Addressing a press conference in Kohima, state government’s spokesperson and minister Neiba Kronu said the “allegation is not true and cannot be”.

“We have tried our best to bring the negotiating parties together but never have we tried to delay that (solution). Rather, everyone of us — the entire (elected) members, be it the core committee or parliamentary core committee (on Naga political issue) — are not pretending. We are serious and we want a solution,” Kronu said.

He said that the chief minister had “clearly stated” in his 76th Independence Day speech that the people have been “waiting patiently and expectantly” for the solution to arrive as early as possible. He further reminded that the decision taken by the Parliamentary Committee on the Naga Political Issue on July 16, 2022 stands “very clear”.

Also reacting to the allegations, BJP National Spokesperson and Advisor, Mmhonlümo Kikon said “to assume that the chief minister is blocking or delaying the solution is to state that they (INC) have a solution to that aspect”.

‘Leveling personal allegations against the prime minister and chief minister is not healthy. As leaders, we should focus on the issue and issue-based discussion, which will show a healthy sign of healthy democracy in the state,’ he said.

The fact that Congress does not have any member in the assembly is a “very clear signal that people have already rejected your party”, he said, adding: “With that in mind, we have to be realistic and practical in our approach.”

He said the government of the day has a clear mind on where it stands.

‘If we are sincere, then we should come with practical and progressive suggestions instead of just alleging and accusing,’ he said.

No merger after election

On the NPCC’s earlier allegation that the NDPP and BJP were plotting a ‘merger’ after the elections, Kikon said such claims were made just to “confuse the people and there is no such agenda”.

The pre-poll alliance and post-poll ally of NDPP- BJP in the 2018 election was a testament that the relationship had grown by leaps and bounds, and it is stronger now, more than ever, and will continue so in the days to come, he said.

He added that various developmental activities taken up by the government are visible. ‘One should appreciate what is happening and should also contribute positively and constructively to the development of the state.’

On the NDPP- BJP merger claim, Kornu said the BJP as a national party has its own principles and so is NDPP as a regional party. “To merge is something we have never discussed and there is no such agenda. We want to be very clear that we are maintaining our respective principles,” he added.