‘NDPP-BJP alliance based on trust, political maturity’

Dimapur, Aug. 9 (EMN): Dispelling speculations raised by various organisations and political parties on its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Tuesday said its partnership with the BJP was based on trust and political maturity, and they have forged the alliance for the greater good of the Naga people.

While reiterating the party’s commitment to the Naga political issue, it said that the NDPP-BJP alliance under the banner of the present United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government had unanimously resolved to work for an early solution.

“We have reiterated our commitment to pave the way in the event of an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Indo-Naga political negotiations,” read the statement.

“In many states across the country, regional parties have continued to have alliances and coalitions with national parties across the country and even in northeastern states like Meghalaya, Sikkim and Mizoram. This does not mean that the ideology of regionalism is compromised but rather the foundations of regional identity and respect gets strengthened and recognized,” it said.

NDPP said that it supports the call for early solution and in its role as facilitators, the party will pursue early realisation of a solution “to the extent that we have firmly supported the call for solution even before the elections”.

“The NDPP-BJP alliance of seat sharing was initiated and implemented since the assembly elections of 2018 and the understanding has continued till date. The spirit of the alliance has been re-strengthened and continued even during the bye-election and general election to the Lok Sabha, the assembly bye-elections and the recent Rajya Sabha election. Therefore, this espouses the continuation of the policy and the spirit of alliance which has always existed,” it read.

 The decision to further continue with the alliance for future seat sharing was taken by the top leadership of the BJP, it said, which included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in consultation with the BJP National President   JP Nadda, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and in the presence of Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio. The party stated that it was the result of earlier meetings held in New Delhi and Guwahati.

The New Delhi meeting was held at the residence of J P Nadda on September 6, 2021 and another meeting was held in Guwahati on May 9, 2022, wherein it was agreed to continue the seat sharing alliance, it said.

“The agreement was the result of meetings and consultations of the leadership of both the parties in a mature and responsible manner and not a sudden development. The joint statement was signed by the Secretary General of the party not on an individual capacity but on behalf of the Party and the statement reflects the decision and stand of the party,” it stated.

‘NDPP is well aware of our future and our roadmap is clear,’ it said, adding that apprehensions by various organisations and political parties should be laid to rest as “we are confident that the maturity and wisdom of the people will not be impacted in any manner by mere speculations”.

The party further reaffirmed that it will continue to follow the ideals of regionalism and uphold the banner of regional ideology and identity.