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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 11 (EMN): People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) on Wednesday conducted a thanksgiving programme for electing its consensus candidate in the just concluded bye-election to represent the 14-Southern Angami-I assembly constituency.
Medo Yhokha of NDPP, in his maiden speech after winning the NLA seat, assured the people to give his best.
‘Now the time has come for me and for all of us in the government to stand committed to the assurance given to the people at the grassroots; as assured to bring about change and all round development, to create new ideas, skills and opportunities, to open up new vistas for the youth and people at the grassroots while soliciting for people’s vote,’ he said.
He expressed hope that leaders in the government and the party will “not fail” him and the people at the grassroots level.
Saying that he is beginning to learn the dynamics of politics, the 43-year-old MLA humbly took responsibilities of his limitations and shortcomings that might have been exposed during the election process.
‘As I start my political innings with your blessings and support, I believe that you all will continue to anchor, guide, lead, and advice me,’ he said.
Yhokha re-affirmed his unflinching solidarity, support and loyalty to the party and said that he was committed to tirelessly work, uphold and support the party.
He thanked God Almighty for the victory and credited the success to his supporters, party functionaries, advisors and ministers and the members of PDA for their support.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that PDA lost in 60-Pungro-Kiphire but the people are with the party. He added that the privileges to serve the people come with heavy responsibility.
According to Rio, the newly elected MLA is a youthful leader who had done his part as a student, as a youth and as a party member. He said that in oneness, they campaigned and succeeded. While congratulating Yhokha, he also thanked each individual who had contributed to their success.
Saying the bye-election was tough, the CM stated that ‘we thought we are going to have a walkover but then it was a fight between families’. He admitted that there were some difficulties because of the independent candidate but the commitment from ‘top to bottom’ and the strength of alliance had made the win possible.
Urging the youths to take responsibility and ownership, Rio encouraged them to come forward and exhibit their talents. Today’s youths have to work to be visible and be recognised so that they can be supported. It is not about luck, but through sheer determination and hard work, and exhibiting their potentials, talents and commitment, he added.
The chief minister went on to say that the younger generation has overtaken today’s world, in knowledge as well as wealth, and called upon the youths to work, draw the attention of leaders through and take responsibility of the people.
Rio also expressed hope that the BJP-NDPP alliance in the state will grow stronger and continue to serve the people in the best way possible.
Speaking on behalf of the BJP, Advisor to Treasuries and Accounts and National Highway, Dr. Longrineken said that they fought their best to claim the 60-Pungro-Kiphire seat but could not make it. However, he expressed happiness at the winning of NDPP candidate in the 14-Southern Angami-I A/C. He added that BJP will continue to “work together” with NDPP and will be “partners” in future.
State BJP President Temjen Imna Along said that the beauty of the PDA government is “inclusiveness” and the alliance remains committed to its common minimum programme to provide equitable development to all corners of the state, whether they have voted for the party or not. He added that the spirit of BJP-NDPP alliance is still alive and will continue to work for the betterment of the people.