Neiphiu Rio will continue as Chief Minister of Nagaland — Abu Metha

Kohima, March 2 (EMN): Secretary General of the NDPP, Abu Metha said the incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, will continue as the chief minister as has been announced earlier and formalities will be followed in the coming days.

This was announced during a press conference held at NDPP head office in Kohima following the declaration of the election results to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Stating that the NDPP and BJP are in alliance, Metha said the leadership of the two parties will discuss the formation of the next government, while he added that the alliance as of now is ‘only two parties’.

‘As far as the formation and composition of the next government is concerned, and looking at the experience over the past five years, we are of the view that it (composition and formation) needs to be looked afresh and a new approach has to be made,’ he said.

‘The agenda is development, peace and delivery,’ he added.

He further maintained that the NDPP is in touch with the BJP leadership in Delhi and decisions will be taken in consultation with the Central leadership as both will be forming the next government as alliance partners.

He also informed that the NDPP legislature party meeting will be held tomorrow (March 3) in Kohima.

He said the people of Nagaland and the ballot have spoken and the voices of Nagaland have given their mandate.

Informing that the NDPP won 25 out of 40 seats with a success rate of 62.5%, Metha asserted that the people have responded to the campaign of the NDPP and the chief ministerial candidate, who won by a margin of 92% in his own constituency.

“We are grateful to sections of the people, electorates, churches, civil society, NGOs and all citizens of Nagaland for coming forward not only in supporting us but also making this election process a grand success,” said Metha.

He also congratulated the Election Commission of India, the Election department in Nagaland for a successful election and the significant contributions and sacrifices that the entire government machinery has made.

The party leader also hailed the citizens of Nagaland for actively strengthening the foundations of democracy in India.

Metha while congratulating the Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu, he also acknowledged the electorates of the two constituencies for participating in a significant historical landmark and expressed his delight for scripting history in the state.

Further he also acknowledged the leadership of both the parties for their faith in women and its common collective endeavour of empowering women.

NDPP- BJP pre-poll alliance base on trust

Meanwhile, Metha said that the NDPP-BJP alliance of 40: 20 is based on trust blessed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shad and BJP National President JP Nadda.

He asserted that the NDPP is grateful and appreciated the support of the Central leadership, adding that the party looked forward to their continued support even in the future. 

Top agenda for early resolution of Naga issue

Metha said the top agenda of the government is early resolution of the Naga political issue. He added that it will seek the support of the Central government and the next government will continue to play the role of active facilitator to find genuine peace as early as possible.

Besides, the delivery of peace and development and economic progress in the state will be the agenda of the new government, he informed.

Metha while congratulating the Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu, he also acknowledged the electorates of the two constituencies for participating in a significant historical landmark and expressed his delight for scripting history in the state.

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