‘Painful,’ ‘bittersweet;’ Rio & TR on NDPP ticket distribution

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 4

Forty candidates of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) were given tickets for the Nagaland Assembly elections during a ticket ceremony-cum-campaign launching programme at Capital Cultural hall, Kohima.

NDPP President, Chingwang Konyak said the party received many applications from aspiring candidates, but that tickets could not be provided to every aspirant due to the seat sharing and other factors. He informed that tickets have been given following ground work assessments from all levels; and keeping in mind the party’s manifesto for youth and women empowerment, tickets were given to two women candidates.

While acknowledging that many senior party members have been denied tickets, Konyak viewed that opportunities should be given to the younger generation who will hold the affairs of state tomorrow. 

Terming the pre-poll BJP-NDPP alliance and formation of a coalition government as the “first time in the history of Nagaland,” Konyak said the last five years was experimental. While looking towards a stronger coalition, Konyak appreciated the BJP for standing firm on the 40:20 seat sharing formula.

Meanwhile, he appealed all those who did not get NDPP tickets “not to feel bad and despondent” but to continue strengthening the party and help party candidates in the election.

Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio also described the ticket distributing exercise as “very painful” adding that it was decided based on assessments, findings, recommendations and listening to the voices of the grass-root workers and the public.

He appreciated the Ticket Committee for providing a platform for women in line with the party manifesto of gender equality while adding that the two candidates have high potential. 

NDPP Secretary General, Abu Metha claimed that Nagaland has seen change in the last five years in line with the party’s manifesto ‘Change is Coming.’ Metha said the party fully supports the clean election movement, and would strive to strengthen democracy by following the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and reminded candidates to adhere to the MCC.

During the programme, the party’s candidate handbook, NDPP theme song titled ‘We Believe,’ a campaign song titled ‘Kam Para,’ and an NDPP-BJP campaign song titled ‘NDPP-BJP’ was also launched. Minister, G Kaito Aye; Speaker NLA, SharingainLongkumer; and Hekani Jakhalu also spoke during the programme.

2 interesting things in two nights: Rio
Although there was no official statement pertaining to reports of TN Mannen joining BJP, Rio said that “the home coming of TN Mannen and ticket announcement for Pukhayi Sumi were two interesting things that happened in two nights.” Rio described Mannen as highly intellectual and hard working, and hoped to serve the assembly together.

On the corrigendum issued by the party regarding 34 Aghunato A/C, Rio said that while the ticket was given to Pukhayi, “he himself volunteered to vacate seat on health ground and Ikuto was given the offer.” Party president Konyak also said that Pukhayi volunteered on personal reasons and a new candidate was offered the seat. 

Rio also spoke on the Naga political issue, stating that with the negotiating parties coming together, it is hoped that “in the near future, if we provide a stable government, our wish and dreams may come.” Although the NDPP government has time and again reiterated to pave way for an alternative arrangement, Rio said “unfortunately, that couldn’t be achieved.”

The CMmeanwhile appreciated the BJP high command for trusting the NDPP and extending support in the last five years, and for standing firm on the seat sharing formula.

BJP brushes off rumours of setting up NDA candidates
Brushing off rumours that the BJP will set up candidates from NDA parties against the NDPP, Chief Spokesperson for the BJP Nagaland, Kuputo Shohe, speaking as the guest speaker, said the reports were “baseless speculations.” 

“Such speculations and rumours are baseless and are not only wilful intention to malign the good image of BJP but also to jeopardize the NDPP-BJP partnership,” stated Shohe.

“Even if we are alliance partners at the centre or not, there is no question of accommodation in the state as the local situation is completely different. This has the consent of the BJP central leaders.”

Shohe expressed confidence that the alliance would get a clear majority, and said there is no need of ‘flirting’ with other parties. 

Referring to the dharnas in many places, Shohe said unlike previous elections, this time around there were many ticket aspirants for both NDPP and BJP, “even going to the extent of creating chaotic scenes.” 

However, he maintained that the situation was well handled and settled down, and attributed it to the maturity and abled leadership of the CM, the NDPP president and senior party leaders.

Shohe urged the NDPP members to “maintain the sanctity of the NDPP-BJP alliance and endeavour to remain intact not only pre-election but post election as well.”

TR hopes poll results will validate tough decisions
UDA Chairman, TR Zeliang said it was a “bittersweet moment today” for many as a tough, conscious decision has been taken after thorough deliberation and rounds of discussions.

“It is particularly bitter for me and pains me deeply to see many of our fellow sitting MLAs who were not allotted our party ticket,” said Zeliang. Tough decisions had to be taken based on many factors, keeping in mind the interest of the party, “I hope that election results would validate this decision,” he said.

Zeliang reminded that the opposition-less UDA Government was formed with the aim to take forward the desire of the Naga people for an early solution to the Naga political issue. Unfortunately, he said, “things could not materialize as we have desired in this current tenure, however it should not demoralize us but rather drive us to bring success.”

Zeliang meanwhile urged against the use of the terms “Rio MLAs and TR MLAs,” making reference to the use of bifurcating terminology to identify between the erstwhile 21 NPF MLAs who merged into NDPP and the 21 NDPP MLAs.