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Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday said that this election is going to be different, expressing confidence that the NDPP-BJP alliance will once again form the next government.
Maintaining that there is no doubt about the alliance coming back to power in the state, he asked the party workers and supporters to convey the message to the villagers – to be happy and pray for it.
The chief minister was campaigning for the upcoming state assembly election from his home constituency -- 11 Northern Angami-II -- in the Northern Angami Public Community Hall, Chiephobozou in Kohima, after filing his nomination papers.
Addressing the gathering, he thanked God for the love bestowed upon him and the supports he received from the supporters, creating a record as the longest serving Chief Minister of Nagaland.
He also acknowledged the people of the state and leadership in Delhi for reposing faith in his leadership by forging the pre-poll alliance.
In a democracy, he said there is nothing wrong if anyone wishes to come forward and contest in the election with an aim of working for the welfare of the people but good sense should prevail with understanding to work for the common good if the purpose is for personal gain.
On ticket distribution, he admitted that it was a painful experience due to the overwhelming contenders, as it could not be given to all. However, he said that if things go well, everyone will come back to work collectively for common interest.
While pointing out that the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is fielding two women candidates, providing a platform to women in accordance with the party manifesto of gender equality and empowerment, he said they have a high potential of winning the election.
With regard to the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) withdrawing its decision to abstain from taking part in the election, he welcomed the move, while saying that the outcome of the meeting between the ENPO and the Centre couldn’t be announced as it is election period.
Rio revealed that the impending census and delimitation will take place soon.
The delimitation should be done justly unlike the last time so as to deliver justice to all, and for that, electing capable leaders to voice out the concerns and welfare of the people is necessary, he said.
On the 40:20 seat-sharing deal between the NDPP and BJP, he said it was proposed by the latter before some leaders raised demands for more but the agreement was made in the presence of leaders from both the parties.
While acknowledging the BJP high command at the centre for reposing faith in the NDPP leadership, he challenged the party workers to meet the expectations. He informed that the alliance partners will work on a common minimum programme for the people of the state.
Further, he sought for the unflinching support of the electorates of his constituency, to enable him to work for the development and interest of the Nagas.
Speaking on the Naga political issue, the chief minister said that the government, as a facilitator, has been pursuing with all seriousness for an early solution to the issue and will continue to do so.
While stressing on the need to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue, he said the NSCM (IM) had signed the 'Framework Agreement' and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups had also signed the 'Agreed Position', both with the Government of India, but there are more groups that are left out.
He said all the groups should come to a common platform, resolve and pave the way for a new era, ushering in progress and development, as well as provide opportunities to the youths.