Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that certain decisions of the Election Commission, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, have raised concerns over transparency and due consultation.
Addressing the media, NPCC working president, Apok Jamir alleged that decisions concerning the SIR were taken without adequate consultation with the other Election Commissioners. He argued that the CEC, as “first among equals”, should function in consultation with the full Commission.
The Election Commission, however, has maintained that decisions relating to the SIR were taken unanimously by the full Commission.
Jamir said the Congress was seeking Kumar’s resignation on “moral grounds”, expressing concern that the electoral process and democratic rights of citizens could be affected if revisions to electoral rolls were not conducted transparently.
He also questioned the deletion of voters during SIR exercises and raised concerns over the requirement for additional information in electoral forms. According to Jamir, deletion of names should be carried out only when supported by the applicable electoral rules.
Congress seeks early implementation of Naga agreements
On the Naga political issue, Jamir said the Congress wants agreements already reached between the negotiating parties to be implemented at the earliest.
He questioned the appointment of a new interlocutor, arguing that such a move would be unnecessary if negotiations had already concluded and the process had entered the implementation stage.
Responding to a question on a former Congress chief minister’s meeting with the RSS leadership, Jamir said the meeting was held in a personal capacity and did not represent the Congress party.
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Highway projects face delays
Meanwhile, Congress MP, Supongmeren Jamir highlighted efforts to address longstanding problems along the four-lane highway connecting Patkai with Kohima.
He said discussions with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), local administrations, contractors and other stakeholders had led to plans for additional bridges and a tunnel near the Patkai section.
Supongmeren said a permanent solution to the road problems in the Patkai stretch could take another one to one-and-a-half years, although visible improvement on some stretches was expected by December.
On the Kisama road, he said construction would commence simultaneously from the Mao and Kohima sides, with two contractors engaged for the work. He expressed hope that vehicular movement could resume within about a month, subject to subsequent completion works.
On the Kohima bypass, the MP estimated that another two years could be required for completion, citing the slow pace of progress.
MP flags contractor performance
Supongmeren also raised concerns over contractors failing to complete road projects in Nagaland, alleging that some firms submit very low bids and subsequently face difficulties in executing the works.
He said NHIDCL and other authorities should consider ground realities while awarding and monitoring contracts. As an MP, he said he would take up the matter with the concerned Union ministry and continue discussions with central authorities to ensure that highway projects are completed within stipulated timelines.
He also appealed to the public to report contractors who fail to perform so that the authorities can initiate appropriate action.
Allegation of pressure on local elected representatives
Supongmeren further alleged that elected members of town and municipal councils belonging to the Congress and other parties were being pressured to join the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
He said such attempts, if established, would undermine the mandate given by voters and could have implications for local governance.
Supongmeren backs early settlement of Naga issue
Responding to former Chief Minister, SC Jamir’s remarks on the possibility of President’s Rule if the Naga political issue remains unresolved, Supongmeren said elected MLAs had earlier committed to resigning if a political settlement was reached.
He said an interim political arrangement could follow in such a situation, while stressing the need for an early resolution of the Naga political issue.
Supongmeren said the issue had remained unresolved for years despite the signing of the 2015 Framework Agreement, adding that public patience was wearing thin over the prolonged negotiations.
