This is it! Failure in negotiations led to Assembly polls:

Correspondent

Rio Rio confident of NDPP-BJP getting absolute majority

at Centre dismissed 90 state governments by ‘misusing’ Article 356 of the Constitution.” but only about their politics.

“Attempts being made to show in bad light Indian scientists who produced indigenous vaccine in Covid times,” Modi said. He accused the Congress of pracitising appeasement politics, saying: “Congress party’s economic, social and political policies were based on vote bank politics.”

“True secularism is making sure that the benefits of different government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries,” he said. Modi also slammed the Congress for questioning the renaming of old government schemes.

“Congress named schemes are Nehru-Gandhi family, but our government has named schemes after the achievers of India,” PM said.

“If Nehru was such a great person, why the family shies away from using ‘Nehru’ surname,” Modi said in a dig at the Gandhis.

With a united opposition sloganeering right through his speech, Modi tried to drive a wedge in their ranks by reminding the regional parties of how the Congress dismissed their governments in the past.

“Congress created problems for regional leaders of opposition parties,” Modi said and added “Congress govt

Indira Gandhi ‘misused’ Article 356 of Constitution 50 times to dismiss elected state governments, Modi said. He also targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had launched a scathing attack on the government over the Adani issue on Wednesday.

“Khargeji complains that I visit Kalaburagi too often. He should see the work done there. As many as 1.70 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts have been opened in Karnataka, including over 8 lakh in Kalaburagi,” Modi said

Modi said that Congress never tried to find solutions to the permanent problems faced by the people. “Mallikarjun Kharge said that Congress built a strong foundation in 60 years. In 2014, when I saw minute details, I saw that in 60 years, the Congress family has only built potholes on the path,” he said.

“Despite being in power from the Panchayat level to the Parliament they never, ‘thought or tried’ to bring solutions to permanent problems,” he said.

Modi then highlighted the achievements of NDA in the last six years and said “our government’s polices are focused on finding permanent solutions for issues facing country.”

Amid constant sloganeering by the opposition during his address, PM said that he is “proving too much for so many” and has been overpowering their voices during the course of his speech.

KOHIMA, FEB 9 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said failure to come to a final settlement on the Naga political issue had led the State to face the Assembly ensuing election.

Kicking-off the election campaign for NDPP candidate from 10 Northern Angami-II Assembly constituency (AC) at Kohima village ground here on Thursday, he also admitted that the inability to resolve the Naga issue was a big stumbling block to development activities. And he attributed the failure to come to a settlement to the differences among people, noting that the negotiations following ceasefire had entered the 26th year now.

Rio said the proposed visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that could not materialised had also left numerous projects in a limbo.

However, he revealed that during his recent meeting with Union Home Min- ister Amit Shah, the latter proposed that whatever project could not be completed would be taken up through Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of NDPPBJP alliance.

He mentioned that he would meet BJP leaders in order to chalk out all the projects that were yet to be completed or formulated.

Rio stated that one of the major projects was the medical college that required funds from the Centre. He disclosed that the academic session of the college would begin this year and hoped that the

State government’s request to upgrade the college into AIIMS-like regional institution would be met.

Rio said upkeep of the institution could be around Rs 15 crore to Rs 20 crore annually and therefore there was a need for the Central government to take care of the expenses.

In his speech, NDPP candidate Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome sought people’s support to work together with the government to bring development to the village. He said it was time to stop discussing about petty issues and focus on the major ones that were hampering development. The programme was chaired by 10 Northern Angami-I AC president V Neiba Pienyü, while invocation was pronounced by Khonoma parish priest, the Rt. Rev Vizosieo Solomon Vizo.

8-Western Angami campaign: Starting the election campaign for NDPP candidate Salhoutuonuo Kruse from 8-Western Angami Assembly constituency (AC) at Khonoma, Rio remarked that Khonoma being a historic village, it was befitting to kick off the campaign from there. Rio asserted that the NDPP-BJP alliance would form the next government, but assured that if the Naga political issue got resolved, they would step down and pave way for a new arrangement. He further attributed the delay in solution to the division among Nagas and underground groups, that led to holding of the Assembly polls.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 9 (NPN):

In tune with deputy chief minister Y Patton’s claim that NDPP-BJP alliance would win not less than 45 seats, chief minister Neiphiu Rio too expressed confidence that the alliance would get absolute majority. Speaking to media persons on the sideline of an event at Khonoma on Thursday, he said though he could not give an accurate figure, he endorsed Patton’s assertion. It may be recalled that Patton had recently told Nagaland Post during a rally in Wokah that the alliance would win not less than 45 seats and form the next government.

To a query, Rio disclosed that he would be accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers during their campaign in Nagaland as NDPP was an alliance partner.

Sarma air dashes to Dimapur for peace mission between NDPP-BJP

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 9 (NPN): Assam chief minister and convenor North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma air dashed to Dimapur on February 9 night in a private chartered flight for an urgent political mission involving ruling alliance partners NDPP and BJP for the current assembly election in Nagaland. According to inside sources, on arrival at Dimapur, the Assam chief minister along with some BJP functionaries of Assam, drove to Niathu Resort for a closed-door meeting

Christians under attack in country: Cong

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 9 (NPN):

All India Congress Committee (AICC) media coordinator Sujata Paul has alleged that Christians were under attack in the country due to BJP rule.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan here on Thursday, she pointed out the recent demand by RSSbacked Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) to delist tribals who have undergone a religious conversion from the Schedule Tribe (ST) status that entitles them for reservation in jobs. She said JDSSM was also demand- ing that the Central government amend Article 342 (A) of the Constitution of India.

Paul further claimed that plans were afoot at the behest of BJP to take away special status granted to Nagaland, which had 95% tribal Christians, under Article 371 (A). She said com- mittees had already been formed by BJP-ruled governments in Uttarakhand and Gujarat to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the earliest. with Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio including state BJP representativesdeputy chief minister Y. Patton, State BJP president Temjen Imna Along, BJP North East co-coordinator Rituraj Sinha, BJP national spokesperson and Nagaland in-charge Nalin Kohli. The sources said Himanta who has become the BJP’s trouble shooter in the North East and in particular for Nagaland, was sent by the BJP central high command to tackle the threat of likely fissure within the NDPP-BJP alliance.

She questioned BJP how it would implement UCC in Nagaland, which was enjoying a special status under Article 371 (A).

Warning that the threat to Nagaland was real and looming large, Paul narrated how BJP crept into Jammu & Kashmir, formed a government with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and then brought it down, before taking away the State’s special status.

According to the sources, the alliance has been under strain after the recent ticket distribution when NDPP and BJP denied party tickets to several sitting MLAs and aspirants. This has led to several NDPP aspirants contesting as NCP candidates, while some NDPP and BJP ticket aspirants are contesting as Lok Janshakti Party (Ram

Vilas) candidates.

Sources claimed that those former NDPP legislators and some Rio loyalists who could not be given tickets have been accommodated in NCP and are contesting as party candidates.

On the other hand, several former NDPP legislators and BJP ticket aspirants have also been accommodated in the LJP (RV) and are contesting as party candidates.

Sources said the several candidates both former NDPP and others who are contesting as LJP (RV) candidates are being patronised by BJP to checkmate Rio.

By setting up proxy

Supreme Court collegium recommends appointment of 5 new Chief Justices

NEW DELHI, FEB 9 (IANS): Supreme Court collegium on Thursday recommended to the Centre the appointment of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Allahabad, Calcutta, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Manipur. The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, in a statement, said it, on January 31, recommended the elevation of Allahabad High Court’s Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal to the Supreme Court and consequently, the office of Chief Justice would be falling vacant soon.

In another statement, the collegium, which also comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph, said the collegium resolves to recommend the appointment of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur as the Chief Justice of the candidates under various political parties, it was disclosed that both NDPP and BJP are hoping to ensure majority support while staking claim for leadership and government formation. The internal war between two allies is going to decide the outcome of the 2023 polls while other parties such as NPF and even NPP, if they win some seats, also hope to play kingmakers.

High Court of Manipur. The collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice Sonia G. Gokani of the Gujarat High Court as its Chief Justice.

The collegium by its resolution on January 31, had recommended the elevation of its Chief Justice Aravind Kumar to the Supreme Court, and this would leave the office vacant.

The collegium also recommended that Justice Ramesh Sinha be appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, after the retirement of Justice Arup Kumar Goswami on March 10, 2023. In another statement, the collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice T.S. Sivagnanam as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, on the retirement of Justice Prakash Shrivastava.

On the other hand, Congress is also gaining ground especially in Mokokchung and party source hope it will be able to win some seats that will put it on course for revival.

Six withdraw, 200 qualify for polls

DIMAPUR, FEB 9 (NPN): Six candidates have withdrawn their candidature from the election to the 14th NLA as on February 9, 2023. February 10 is the last date for withdrawal.

CEO office informed that those who withdrew candidature included P Engo Konyak (RPI-A) from 47 Aboi; HB Moba (LJP-RV) from 55 Tobu; Kelhouneizo Yhome (IND) from 10 Northern Angami-1; L Shiakpong Konyak (IND) from 55 Tobu; Y Belong Chingmei (IND) from 50 Longleng and R Kilimong Yimchunger (IND) from 60 Pungro-Kiphire. Meanwhile, EC, after scrutiny of all nomination papers, has found 22 of the 222 applications invalid. Four women are among 200 candidates whose papers were found to be valid.

Earthquake death toll in Turkey, Syria crosses 20,000 PVC bans setting up of mess, camps by political parties

ANTAKYA, FEB 9 (AP): Tens of thousands of people who lost their homes in a catastrophic earthquake huddled around campfires in the bitter cold and clamored for food and water the way,

Thursday, three days after the temblor hit Turkey and Syria and killed more than 20,000.

Emergency crews used pick axes, shovels and jackhammers to dig through twisted metal and concrete-- and occasionally still pulled out survivors. But in some places, their focus shifted to demolishing unsteady buildings.

I

While stories of miraculous rescues briefly buoyed spirits, the grim reality of the hardship facing survivors cast a pall over devastated communities. The number of deaths surpassed the toll of a 2011 earthquake off Fukushima, Japan, that triggered a tsunami, killing more than 18,400 people.

In northwest Syria, the first U.N. aid trucks to enter the rebel-controlled area from Turkey since the quake arrived, underscoring the difficulty of getting help to people in the country riven by civil war. In the Turkish city of Antakya, dozens scrambled for aid in front of a truck distributing children’s coats and other supplies.

In the Turkish town of Elbistan, rescuers stood atop the rubble from a collapsed home and pulled out an elderly woman. Teams urged quiet in the hopes of hearing stifled pleas for help, and the Syrian paramedic group known as the White Helmets noted that “every second could mean saving a life.”

But more and more often, the teams pulled out dead bodies. In Antakya, over 100 bodies were awaiting identification in a makeshift morgue outside a hospital.

DIMAPUR, FEB 9 (NPN): Padam Pukhuri village council (PVC) has decided to ban setting up of mess or camp by any political party within the village jurisdiction.

PVC chairman Aheto Yeputhomi and secretary Yanpothung Yathan said that the decision was taken with the aim of creating clean and fair election and also to maintain peaceful atmosphere and tranquillity in the village.

The signatories said that the resolution was adopted at the village council meeting on January 24, 2023 resolved the following for the ensuing State Assembly election 2023. PVC also banned putting up posters and banners within the village regardless of any political parties. The village council has cautioned that any GB or VCM found indulging in any form of electoral unfair means would be penalised.

It also resolved that on the polling day outsiders would not be allowed to enter village except polling related officials, observers, security personnel, medical emergency, candidates and agents with identity card. Further, PVC cautioned that any individual(s) found creating havoc or disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the village during or on the day of polling would be “penalised sternly by the council.”