Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Thursday distributed the party ticket to its candidates and officially launched its election campaign for the ensuing state general elections during the ticket ceremony-cum-campaign launch at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his address stated that there is no “real party” that is going to compete with NDPP-BJP alliance and exuded hope that the alliance partners will once again form the government.

“I will go as a leader and we will form the government again and therefore, I need your support and cooperation to run a smooth alliance government in the campaign also and in the government,” he added.

Rio also stated that all the 60 MLAs had come together forming an opposition-less government for the cause of Indo-Naga political issue and they have played their part as active facilitators however, he said a solution could not be achieved because of disunity among the Naga nationalist groups, the state leaders and the public in general.

Exuding hope as the Naga negotiation parties have come together, he stated that in the near future if the NDPP-BJP can provide a stable government the aspiration of the people for a final solution may come.

Rio reiterated that as promised in the party manifesto when the solution comes and Naga political issue is resolved, all the 60 MLAs will pave the way for an alternative arrangement.

He lauded the BJP high command for being firm in their commitment of 40:20 seat-sharing formula.

CM Neiphiu Rio speaking during the ticket ceremony-cum-campaign launch programme.

Meanwhile, speaking on the ticket distribution he said, ‘the ticket distribution exercise was very painful and the party had listened to the voices of grassroots workers, public and the party recommendations and that was how the 40 candidates were chosen’.

Mentioning that being awarded NDPP party ticket is a privilege for the aspirants, he maintained that the privilege comes with responsibilities and said, “it is your bounded duty to work very hard and get yourself elected”.

‘Bold step by the party to award two tickets to women candidates’

Rio also stated that the party has taken a bold step by awarding party tickets to two women candidates which he termed ‘an opportunity for NDPP to implement the party commitment of providing platform to women candidates and gender equality’.

He lauded the ticket party committee for doing justice to the party’s vision to provide gender equality and also to uplift women.

Rio also pointed out that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government was not able to achieve what it fully envisioned. He further asked all the candidates to file their nominations on Monday (6 February) and to have a prayer fellowship with their families and respective churches on Sunday.

He also cautioned the candidates not to put any wrong information or presumptions in their affidavit but only factual things otherwise it can go against them.

He suggested that the party set up a coordination committee for joint campaigns in the districts for participation in campaigns between the alliance partners and also to keep the alliance spirit alive.

NDPP President Chingwang Konyak speaking during the ticket ceremony-cum-campaign launch programme

NDPP President Chingwang Konyak, in his presidential address, said for the first time in the history of Nagaland, the 2018 pre-poll alliance of NDPP and BJP had joined hands. He added that the last coalition government was more like an experiment.

I believe with experience it will be a very effective government now, he stated.

Clarifying on the ticket distribution, Konyak said the party had received many applications in which various agencies assisted in assessing and after a thorough assessment the party took the decision.

Mentioning the 2018 party manifesto to empower women and youth, he said the party has implemented it in action and urged women and the youths to come forward.

He also appealed to all candidates, who didn’t get the ticket, to strengthen the party by extending hands to the NDPP candidates.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairman TR Zeliang in his brief address stated that today is a bittersweet moment for many, however, it was only after thorough deliberation and rounds of discussions that a “tough conscious” decision was taken and the onus now rests on candidates to do justice to the faith and trust which the party has reposed on them.

“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. Some due to the unavoidable seat-sharing arrangement with our coalition partner and others for different reasons. But I believe that hard and 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,” Zeliang added.

The former chief minsiter called upon every candidate to remember why an opposition-less government (UDA Government) was formed last year. Admitting that things could not materialise as desired in this current tenure, however, he said ‘it should not demoralise us but rather drive us to bring to success for which we have committed to the people and this should remain our priority’.

‘No more Rio MLA or TR Zeliang MLA’

He also made a formal appeal today, to cease the use of the bifurcating terminology which is used by many to identify between the erstwhile 21 NPF MLAs who merged into NDPP and the 21 NDPP MLAs.

“There should be no more Rio MLAs and TR MLAs within the NDPP from this moment on. As we collect our party ticket today, the past should not be revived to sabotage the present arrangement. As we contest under the NDPP party ticket, everyone should feel and be made to feel the sense of ownership and belongingness to this party regardless of past events,” he stated.

The seat-sharing arrangement with our alliance and pre-poll partner the BJP has been successful and we wish them the best in the 20 seats they are contesting. I am sure that they will also give their best to come out successful in the 20 assembly constituencies. In the same manner, we should also ensure a 100% result in the 40 seats, he said adding that there is no “formidable political party” that poses a “real threat” to NDPP-BJP.

“I can foresee a favourable and inevitable thumping victory for our party in this election and smooth sailing with our BJP coalition partner post-election and under the capable leadership of our chief minister and party president, we are moving ahead in the right direction. And after the election results are declared, I am confident that we will have a stable government with our pre-poll alliance partner, which will be able to work towards the overall development of the state,” he said.

Zeliang also pointed out Nagaland celebrated the 75th anniversary of Indian independence last year along with the rest of the nation but the state still lags in many aspects and stressed that the sole aim and target should be to take the state and its people forward to be at par with the rest of the states in the country.

Hekani Jakhalu, one of the women candidates, speaking during the ticket ceremony-cum-campaign launch programme.

Short speeches were also delivered by Minister G Kaito Aye; Speaker of NLA Sharingain Longkumer and NDPP candidate Hekani Jakhalu.

The 40 candidates were awarded with party tickets and gift hampers which included the candidates’ handbook. It was followed by the oath taking ceremony administered by the party president Chingwang Konyak and a dedicatory prayer for the candidates by Rev. Supong Jamir, Pastor, Dimapur Christian Fellowship.

During the ceremony NDPP also launched the party theme song “We believe” and the party campaign song “Kam para”. It also launched the NDPP-BJP campaign song “NDPP-BJP”.