Fate of north-eastern states are interlinked, says Assam CM Himanta

Assam Chief Minister and North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Convenor, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday underscored the importance of working together for a better Northeast.

“We should believe together that we can together develop the Northeast region. We can alleviate poverty from this region. We can develop our road infrastructure, airways, and highways because our fates are interlinked,” he said. 

Sarma, who is one of the star campaigners for NDPP-BJP alliance, was addressing an election campaign for NDPP candidate Salhoutuonuo Kruse from 8 Western Angami AC, at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.

‘Today, people of Manipur cannot travel to Assam without good road network in Nagaland. People of Nagaland cannot go to Meghalaya without the road network in Assam. Our fates are interlinked, our future is linked and I believe that our future generation has the right to live and develop in the region, which is peaceful, developed and the best place to live in the entire country,’ he added.

While maintaining that peace and harmony prevail between Assam and Nagaland states, he said this election is “igniting a new spirit” of the Northeast and that it will help strengthen that spirit.

On oil exploration, he said that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and he had taken a decision to share the gains from all oil extractions in the border areas between the two states.

This is for the common development goal so that both the states can prosper together, he added.

On Naga political issue

Sarma said the new government, which will be formed in Nagaland after the declaration of election results next month, will work towards resolving the Naga political issue, adding that the incumbent government had spent a considerable amount of time and energy towards it.

‘We want to bring a solution which will respect the uniqueness of Naga, uniqueness of the history of Naga people and also recognises a strong friendship between the Naga people and the people living in the rest of India,’ he said.

He added that they will work towards achieving the objective of bringing a ‘permanent solution to the Naga political issue under the leadership of Rio in the next five years, while expressing confidence that current CM will continue to be on the chair after the election.

Attributing the “stable government” in the past five years to unique leadership of Rio, relationship between central leadership and NDPP party, and a common vision to work for a better Nagaland, he said a lot of efforts towards this vision will be witnessed in the coming years, with a solid foundation already been laid.

“Normally, we see a lot of political uncertainty but the last five years, we did not see any kind of political instability in Nagaland,” he said. 

The visits of BJP national leaders to the state in the past two weeks showed how much they care for BJP-NDPP friendship and for the future of Nagaland.

Women are equally capable, says Rio

Addressing the gathering, Neiphiu Rio said women are ‘equally capable’ (as their male counterparts) to win the election and lead the state.

‘When they (alliance) studied the grassroots situation, it turned out that women have high chance of winning the seats. Therefore, the NDPP-BJP gave tickets to three women candidates this time,’ he added. 

Speaking on the seat-sharing deal between the BJP and NDPP, which caused discontentment among some party workers, he said the idea was proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Chief JP Nadda.

‘We have the mightiest political party as an alliance with NDPP in Nagaland. BJP respects the Nagas. Despite being a small party, NDPP is having an alliance with a big party, he said.

Kruse on her vision

Salhoutuonuo Kruse, who is contesting from 8 Western Angami AC, shared her visions and focus, including equal infrastructure in rural and urban areas, youth and women empowerment, skill development and employment, creating a model constituency, and enhancing governance and security.

The social activist also said that she is contesting this election to fulfill the visions of her late husband Kevisekho Kruse, who contested in the last election from the same constituency. 

NDPP Secretary General Abu Metha and BJP National Spokesperson Nalin Kohli also spoke at the event.

An honour to have Shri @himantabiswa Ji and Shri @NalinSKohli Ji in the campaign rally of @NDPPofficial candidate Mrs. @Hekani Jakhalu. Grateful for encouraging us with their presence. I request the constituents to support women empowerment in politics and vote for the candidate pic.twitter.com/AYn27vuWPS

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 23, 2023

Also read: Nagas should not take politics lightly, says CM Rio

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