KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 15: The BJP today set at rest the disgruntlement over seat-sharing formula to contest the 2023 Nagaland State Elections reiterating its commitment to continue the pre-poll alliance partnership with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
National BJP Spokesperson and Prabhari Nagaland, Nalin Kohli made the reiteration while replying to media queries in the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister and BLP leader Y Patton here tonight.
Party’s vision is very clear which has been decided in Delhi at the appropriate level by both the parties, he said.
“We (BJP & NDPP) are in Government together and it has been a successful coalition”, he claimed adding that the seat sharing arrangement has been finalized.
“We are hoping to serve the people of Nagaland again and continue the good work with the double engine government – Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP Government at the Centre and here the NDPP-BJP coalition Government”, he said.
Asked on why BJP is not considering contesting more seats in Nagaland, Kohli claimed that “BJP has the history of continuing the alliance…while our partners may leave us but the BJP does not have the history of ever leaving its partner.”
BJP respects Nagaland is special for the party and vouched for development of the State and we want to continue the good work, he said.
On being countered on his statement of leaving the Naga People’s Front (NPF) alliance before the 2018 elections and joining hands with NDPP then, Kohli said “that was at the election point and election time is different while there was also split in the NPF party”.
On being pointed out that the BJP legislators are also divided on seat-sharing formula, he reiterated that saying “this is an issue which does not require any further discussion and we are together and will continue serving the people of Nagaland”.
Asked on the Frontier Statehood demand of ENPO, he said different levels of talks will be held and will seek further details from the State level party.
Further queried on the BJP’s slogan for 2018 State Elections “Election for Solution” despite the civil society organizations and other political parties agreeing to civil society organizations demand for “Solution not Election”, Kohli refrained to response saying “Naga Political discussions is at the Government level and as a Party spokesperson, he cannot speak on the peace talks because there is huge framework on that”.
On the speculation that elections to be held earlier than scheduled in Nagaland, Kohli said “it is all for the Election Commission to decide and not the BJP”.
(Page News Service)
