Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking to a section of reporters on Friday stated that if there is no solution then the elections will be held accordingly.

He also informed that the prime minister’s office had communicated with him on Wednesday and apprised him that Prime Minister Narendra Modi intends to visit the state. However, due to the demise of Modi’s mother, his visit to the state might be delayed, Rio stated.

“If there is no solution, there will be election and we have come together, as I told you, we hope for the best and PM office also talked to me yesterday. He intend to come but now the demise of his beloved mother but he will come but maybe a little delayed,” said Rio.

On being queried on whether his party NDPP and alliance partner BJP will have a sitting with the 20 Eastern MLAs and Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation to discuss the ENPO 26 August resolution to abstain from participating in the 2023 election, Rio replied that he has summoned for a cabinet meeting on 3 January to discuss on this matter.

Meanwhile, with regard to the State preparedness on Covid-19, the Chief Minister asserted that the state is under control though not completely free from Covid. He added that the state has to be very cautious and alert and should be on guard.