Kohima | May 13 : Congress Stalwart, former Chief Minister Nagaland and former Governor of Maharashtra and Goa, Dr S.C Jamir, who had outstanding political career spanning over five decades, has perhaps for the first time suffered humiliating defeat in this high profile straight fight with such a huge margin, while the NPF led DAN government consolidated its position with 35 NPF MLAs and six Independent assuring the ruling government of stability for the rest of the term.
Addressing a press conference here at the NPF Central office this afternoon after the result was formally declared, the visibly happy DAN Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio gave everything for the success of the high profile by-poll in 26 Aonglenden to the Almighty God. Describing the outcome of the result as “significant”, Rio stated that the contest was not against the “Congress, but the contest was against the policies and programmes of the political party contesting in the by-poll,” he stated.
Rio said the victory in the by-poll showed that the people had given mandate to the NPF with “more responsibilities” to serve them adding that the victory indicates DAN Government’s good policies and performing well to the masses particularly the rural and backward people. “So it is a victory of the people,” he added. Responding to a query about Dr Jamir who bit the dust, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Lietzietsu said the political era had already ended and “it is time to speak good of the past.”
The chief minister also denied the Congress charges that the ruling DAN misused state law enforcement agencies particularly the IRB personnel had prevented their (Congress) workers and voters from entering the polling stations on the polling day. Rio reacted against the Congress saying they had not trusted the state’s own forces and depended on the central forces.
Rio further stated that it is “unfortunate” as the Congress failed to trust state’s forces in the state, and said law and order was under ‘control’ and the election was held in “free, fair and peaceful manner.” Lietzietsu also described the just concluded by-election in the 26 Aonglenden as “the most peaceful, free and fair one,” comparing to the past ones while Rio pointed out that the Congress was thinking they would be able to suppress them with the forces from the Centre but such act was unbecoming because there was most peaceful and actually there was no room for complaint, he added.
Rio disclosed that the high command culture was over and the election results coming from other states of the country showed everything in those directions. He however hinted Congress party’s coming to form for the third record time in Assam was mainly for their initiative in bringing ULFA to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile Rio congratulated the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer and his officials, the district administration, police, central para-military forces and the polling officials for the smooth, free and fair conduct of the by-election which went off peacefully without any major disturbances.
He also lauded the civil societies including the Ao Senden, AKM, Church organizations and NGOs, etc for their positive roles ensuring conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections.
Rio congratulated the people in Aonglenden, people of Mokokchung for their faith in the NPF and their positive role in the conduct of the election and the media, both print and electronic, who he said, deserved to be lauded for having played the role of the fourth estate in a responsible manner in reporting the day to day progress of the elections.
Cong thanks voters; reiterate charges of poll misconduct
Dimapur, May 13 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) extends heartfelt gratitude to the voters of 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency in particular and all the supporters of the Congress candidate in the May 7, 2011 by-election.
They braved all adverse elements ranging from threat, intimidation, unprecedented cash flow unleashed by NPF on one hand and ‘the onslaught of physical and mental tortures perpetrated by NSCN (IM) on one side,’ stated the NPCC in a message today, deeply grateful to all Congress voters.
“DAN government thoroughly misused all its machineries on the other side. The by-election by all means was an abnormal election, so also the defeat. Nevertheless, the defeat of Dr. SC Jamir will not dampen the spirit of the Indian National Congress in Nagaland but give better leverage to fight harder on issues of public importance. The Congress as a national political party will not be cowed down by elements inimical to it,” the NPCC said in full assurance.
The NPCC appeals to al its party workers and supporters not to lose heart from this defeat ‘but to remain steadfast and rise up courageously to face greater challenges ahead.’
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