Now, Patton makes U-turn, says BJP-NDPP ties will bring stability :: Deal a 'pain killer for Rio camp'

New Delhi/Dimapur:: July 28 

After hours of his much talked about statement that he was 'not consulted' before announcement of continuing with BJP-NDPP alliance, deputy chief minister Y Patton on Thursday made a U-turn saying the fresh tie up will "provide stability & clarity in governance".

"...I appeal to our karyakartas to continue working for the party's growth," he wrote in a series of tweets.

"The further strengthening of BJP-NDPP alliance will provide stability & clarity in governance and ensure swift  developments. As we ready ourselves for the election, I appeal to our karyakartas to continue working for the party's growth".

"The decision of @BJP4Nagaland & @NDPPofficial to jointly contest the forthcoming assembly election is made keeping 

in mind the best interest of the people and the long-term vision of the party by our Central Leaders and we all need to work together and put up a united front," he said. 

"What sets @BJP4India  apart and makes it the great organisation, is the zeal of each member of the BJP to work towards serving the people & we all welcome the decision & have our utmost trust in the wisdom of our Central Leaders".

File snap: Naga wrestlers in Delhi 2021

BJP's organisational general secretary B L Santhosh yet to endorse ties : Amit Shah not authorized yet he took a decision

New Delhi 

Rebellion had surfaced in the Nagaland unit of BJP on July 27 and for the time being the target of attack or the fall guy is saffron party's state in-charge Nalin Kohli.

BJP floor leader in the state assembly and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, a known opponent of Chief Minister and NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio, on Wednesday charged Nalin Kohli with not consulting the state leaders before signing a paper to announce alliance with the existing partner NDPP for Feb 2023 elections.

Mild rebellion: Patton

Camping in Delhi and having met important leaders in the last few days, Patton now says that he "will go to Nagaland at the earliest and need to have a discussion with BJP karyakartas". 

The 40:20 seat share alliance actually helps NDPP more than the BJP. 

An analyst says, "Amit Shah may have different and complex plans to agree to this alliance. He may give rope to Neiphiu Rio to deliver something. As of now it is a pain killer for NDPP or even a life saving drug. But such decisions should not become toxic for the BJP in the Christian-dominated state".

 

Patton is opposed to the 40:20 seat share announced by Nalin Kohli in a joint statement with a junior NDPP leader wherein the Lotus party is to contest only 20 seats leaving the remaining 40 to the regional partner.

“I have not been consulted ....Nalin Kohli as is in charge of Nagaland could have consulted us and BJP workers of Nagaland," he said. 

However, he maintained, "It is up to central leaders to decide whether this is final or needs further discussions". 

Another source confirmed that Patton is not alone and "many workers and leaders are displeased" at the announcement of the alliance which virtually stalls 'further growth' of the BJP in Nagaland.

The alliance gives a life saving drug to NDPP whose leadership is under attack on various counts including corruption and promoting tribalism".

"A sinking ship called NDPP was being deserted. Last week around 40 leaders left NDPP and joined BJP in Mon district and the alliance was announced by total disregard to the opinion and views of hundreds of BJP karyakartas," one leader told 'Nagaland Page' on the condition of anonymity.

Patton's statement would give a mild shock to the NDPP camp and those in Nagaland BJP who still owe allegiance to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

"The alliance will prove strong and undisputed with blessings of central leadership & Shri. Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Minister for another term," tweeted Minister Paiwang Konyak, BJP legislator from Tizit.

BJP state unit president Temjen Imna Along, also an alleged 'Rio loyalist', also wasted no time to state that he "wholeheartedly welcomed the decision of the central leaders".

Worse part was perhaps played by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also NEDA convener, who tweeted the joint statement saying this alliance was decided at a meeting between Chief Minister Rio, himself (Himanta)
and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Technically, Shah though very powerful leader as the Union Home Minister is not authorized to finalise such a political deal in the absence of a meeting of the Parliamentary Board or for that matter even organisational general secretary B L Santhosh and BJP national president J P Nadda were not present on the occasion. 

Importantly, Patton and two other leaders met Santhosh in Delhi on July 24 (Sunday) and impressed upon him not to allow the alliance as "general mood in Nagaland was overwhelmingly in favour of the BJP and several leaders from other parties were keen to join the party". 

The mood in the room was "always going with the same party for alliance is not necessary".

Santhosh has so far not endorsed or at least did not tweet anything on the announcement of the alliance.

ends