In defence of 20:40 seat share in Nagaland, BJP may replace Seven MLAs : High Command wants to win 'all 20'

"Message of pre-poll season is if the BJP wins 19-20 seats, we may have own Chief Minister in 2023" 

New Delhi 

Give us the 'maximum' out of minimum 20 we got to contest in the ensuing elections - is the message for Nagaland unit from the BJP central leadership.

The state unit leaders have been told to be 'practical' about ground reality -- in Kerala too, there is much enthusiasm but when it comes to winnability - the strike rate is not good.

In Nagaland, the BJP's strike rate (12 out of 20) in 2018 was better than NDPP's (18 out of 40). So posed with the big question on 'why' BJP accepted only 20 seats in the seat share bargaining with Neiphiu Rio-led NDPP; the high command's message is -- "All of you show unity of purpose and work harder. 

There is always a room for improvement even for the 2018 strike rate...so if we can win 19-20 seats, we can be in a position to have Chief Minister of our own".

'Nagaland Page'

Link

BJP Organisation general secretary, B L Santhosh on a three-day visit to Nagaland interacted with party leaders and others at Kohima on Thursday, Aug 25.

Sources declined to comment on what transpired at the meetings saying, "We in the BJP never violate our code of conduct and oath of secrecy....These meetings are not for media".

Meanwhile, another source insisted that 'internal channels' have suggested that there are strong anti-incumbency mood in at least seven constituencies now held by the BJP.

"These have to be looked into....if things do not change on ground and in approach; a few of the sitting legislators will be named as well".

Corruption and Deficit:

High command is concerned about corruption issue in Nagaland and also matters pertaining to deficits. 

It is astonishing and almost 'self-defeating' for the BJP that even as it was in power in the state since 2018, the Nagaland government now has a deficit of about Rs 2213 crore. There is a total liability of Rs 15,620 crore.

The state government, the BJP high command is aware, is unable to pay salaries regularly for a whopping 1,25,000 employees. Who is to be blamed? If NDPP gets its share; some accountability falls on BJP as well !

Around 2003, the Vajpayee government had wiped off about Rs 360 crore deficit, the state budget started on 'zero deficit'-- so what has happened on financial management all these years.

One refrain so far is also vital -- the BJP state unit has 'failed to deliver' ; and it may be relevant to do some soul searching as well. 

Does it imply the call for replacement of 'state leadership' ... and with polls round the corner are things still premature?

Insets:

# Anti-incumbency mood in seven BJP constituencies.

# BJP high command is aware that the state is unable to pay salaries regularly for a whopping 12,500 employees. NDPP/NPF (prior to 2018) may be blamed, but some accountability falls on BJP as well.

# Several state leaders reportedly told Santhosh, there is a strong anti-incumbency wave against NDPP. But common Naga voters have high expectations from the BJP especially on Peace and Development.

Tough task financial management - Nagaland story

# The grant-in-aid for FY 2022-23 is also estimated at Rs 9720.

The Finance Commission Grant from the Centre to Nagaland are budgeted to be Rs 4773 crore in 2022-23, a significant increase over  Rs 1283 crore that was released in 2009-10, she stated.

In addition, a total of Rs 455 crore and Rs 1600 crore has been allotted to Nagaland under Special Assistance to States for capital expenditure, the FM highlighted.

Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Audit report, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that between 2014-19, the grant-in-aid from the Government of India has reached Rs 29, 483 crore, up by 41.66% from Rs 20, 812 granted between 2009-14.

Thereafter, tax devolution till 2022-23 is Rs 16, 188 crore while grants-in-aid till 2022-23 is estimated at Rs 30,202 crore.

Under tax devolution, so far in this financial year up to June 26, a sum of Rs 812 crore has been transferred to the State out of Rs 4647 crore estimated for 2022-23, she said.

ends