Neiphiu Rio kicked off his election campaign today for the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election at Chiephobozou, Kohima after filing his nominations for 11 Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency (AC).

Addressing his supporters, Rio maintained that as a democracy ‘there is nothing wrong if anyone wished to come forward to contest and work for the welfare of the people but if that is not the case, good sense should prevail with understanding to work for the common good’.

Asserting that this election is going to be different, Rio expressed confidence that the NDPP-BJP alliance will form the next government and asked the party workers, supporters to convey the message to the villagers to be happy and pray about it.

He informed that the alliance partners will work on common minimum programmes for the people in the state.

‘Overwhelming ticket contenders’

On ticket distribution, he maintained that there were overwhelming ticket contenders and the exercise was a painful experience as it could not be given to all, and yet he stated that if things go well, everyone will come back to work collectively for the common good.

Also read: We will form government again, no ‘real party’ to compete with NDPP-BJP, says Rio

Pointing out that NDPP is fielding two women candidates providing a platform for women with the party manifesto of gender equality and empowerment of women he said, they also have a high potential of winning.

Rio also said the Naga-political issue should be resolved and highlighted that the NSCM (IM) had signed the ‘Framework Agreement’ while the Naga National Political Group (NNPGs) Working Committee had also signed the  ‘Agreed position’, both with the Government of India but besides that, there still exist other groups who should come to a common platform, resolve and pave a way for a new era ushering progress and development while also providing opportunities for the youths.

He also reiterated that as a facilitator of the Naga political issue, the government with all seriousness is pursuing an early solution and will be doing the same.

With regard to the ENPO stand to boycott the election with demand for Frontier Nagaland state he said, they had only resolved to lift the boycott just a few days ago to participate in the election owing to the situation of being a poll-bound state.

Also read: ENPO relaxes 26 August resolution, requests citizens to cooperate in Nagaland election process

On the impending census and delimitation

Further pointing out the impending census and delimitation, he said delimitation should be done justly unlike the last delimitation so as to deliver justice to all and in this regard, he opined that electing a leader to be in the government to voice out the concerns and welfare of the people is necessary.

He further maintained that the seat sharing of 40:20 between the two alliance partners was proposed by the BJP but later discontentment was raised by some leaders, however, he said the agreement was made in the presence of leaders from both parties.

He also acknowledged the high command of the BJP for regarding the NDPP leadership and challenged the NDPP party to meet up to the expectations.

Also read: Neiphiu Rio files nomination, says hopeful to be back in power