Nagaland Congress President, K. Therie, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), on Wednesday, vowing to wipe out both parties in the upcoming state elections. Therie accused the BJP of betraying the people of Nagaland and failing to fulfill their promises, setting the tone for a fierce electoral battle as the state heads into Assembly elections in February.
“The people of Nagaland expected the Prime Minister and the BJP workers to be honest and remain true to their commitments. But they have proven themselves to be liars and have betrayed the people,” Therie said shortly after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for Assembly polls in Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
In a strongly worded statement, Therie emphasized that the Congress party’s goal is to establish a secular government in Nagaland that works for the welfare of the people. He also pledged that his party would ensure the defeat of both the BJP and NDPP, saying, “Our goal is to establish a secular government and work for the people’s welfare. There’s no reason for people to look for BJP or NDPP.”
Election commission announces poll dates
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday revealed the schedule for Assembly elections in the northeastern states of Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya. Voting in Nagaland and Meghalaya will be held in a single phase on February 27, while Tripura will go to the polls on February 16. The results for all three states will be declared on March 2, 2023.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing a press conference, said that the poll dates had been set to ensure a smooth electoral process. “Voting for Assembly elections in Tripura will be held in a single phase on February 16, and in Nagaland and Meghalaya on February 27. The results will be declared on March 2,” Kumar stated, officially kick-starting the election season in the three northeastern states.
Congress vs. BJP-NDPP alliance
Nagaland has long been a battleground between regional and national political forces. In the 2018 Assembly elections, the BJP entered into an alliance with the NDPP, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The alliance has governed the state since then, but the upcoming polls could see a change in the political landscape, with Congress hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments.
K. Therie accused the BJP-NDPP alliance of not being true to its word and failing to deliver on promises made to the people. “They want to fish out of troubled waters,” Therie said, referring to the BJP’s alleged political maneuvering. He expressed confidence that the people of Nagaland would vote for a secular Congress government that prioritizes the welfare of the common citizen over political games.
NPF’s focus on Naga political issue
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), one of Nagaland’s oldest regional parties, has announced that its main priority remains finding an “honourable solution” to the long-standing Naga political issue. NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said on Wednesday that the party is ready for the elections and is optimistic about receiving a positive response from the people.
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Speaking to ANI, Kikon noted, “NPF is all prepared for the elections. People are on the ground, ready to participate in the Nagaland elections.” He reiterated that the party’s focus continues to be on resolving the Naga political issue, a cause that has shaped Nagaland’s political discourse for decades.
Kikon emphasized that the NPF’s legacy as one of the oldest regional parties in Nagaland would resonate with voters. “The priority of the party remains an honourable solution to the Naga political issue, and I hope people will respond positively,” he added.
High stakes for Nagaland’s political future
With the election dates now confirmed, political activity in Nagaland is set to intensify. The Congress, led by K. Therie, is aiming for a resurgence, positioning itself as the party that will bring change to Nagaland. At the same time, the BJP-NDPP alliance will be working to retain power, while the NPF hopes to reassert itself as the voice of Naga political aspirations.
As the campaigns unfold in the coming weeks, voters in Nagaland will have to decide between the incumbent BJP-NDPP alliance, the resurgent Congress, and the NPF’s focus on regional issues, setting the stage for what promises to be a crucial election for the state’s political future.
