Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, DIMAPUR, JULY 28: “Mark my words…this BJP-NDPP alliance is a blessing in disguise for NPF”,” senior leader of the regional outfit, K Azo Nienu, asserted on Thursday when asked to comment on the announcement of the alliance between the Lotus party and its regional partner.
“Actually there is nothing new about this alliance between BJP and NDPP and there is nothing great about it…you see the media reaction many leaders in both these parties will be unhappy. So NPF is the answer now”, Azo told this journalist over phone.
He maintained that the absence of cohesiveness between key leaders in both BJP and NDPP will frustrate voters and intending candidates. “In the absence of good chemistry people will look for a viable alternative and they will come to us.”
Answering a question, he said, “I will not disclose our strategy but we have started traveling and the feedback is very encouraging. In the long run, the Naga voters admire politics of regional sentiment and principles. Such things are missing elsewhere in other parties.”
Azo, who replaced former Chief Minister TR Zeliang as legislature party leader after the defection of 21 MLAs, said, “Just wait for the real drama to unfold. As elections would come nearer, there will be more chaos and confusion in other camps and all these will help my party.”
To another question, he said, “I have already been to Tuensang and Mon districts and people have very good opinion about NPF though we were let down by our MLAs. Rural Nagaland voters never appreciate or approve defection and so some people are to face the anguish of the voters.”
He said the NPF will prove the prophets of doom wrong and re-emerge much stronger. “The strong anti-incumbency mood against some Ministers and MLAs will damage electoral prospects of many and so, as the polls will draw nearer, we in NPF are going to have the last laugh.”
He also said NPF revival journey will begin from far flung, unreachable and under developed areas.
