Advantage Nagaland CM Rio ? But he has to rein in ticket distribution chaos in BJP

New Delhi 

Failure or success have always something to do with being powerless and anger.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio knows how to turn disadvantages into a huge advantage.

But his real political acumen will come under scanner soon.

There are chances of absolute chaos in ticket distribution in the BJP. Given the saffron party's traditional functional style, out of 12 sitting legislators, at least four would be replaced. 

The Lotus outfit had lost eight seats in 2018 and some of it had been quite surprising and
'last minute' developments. K L Chishi should have made it in Atoizu while in Chizami, a strong candidate Kevechutso Doulo also lost to a relatively weaker nominee from NPF.

Veteran Chishi is out of BJP - as of now - and is perhaps also a reluctant neta for taking on yet another journey of electoral contest.

 

In Chizami, the saffron party may repeat with Kevechutso yet again. But the sitting MLA Kezhienyi Khalo is still with the NPF and did not join the famous G-21 club. 

There are interesting scenarios expected in some other segments such as Pughoboto. Dr Sukhato Sema of BJP had lost to Y. Vikheho Swu of NPF by a narrow margin of record low of only 70 votes.

Swu is now in NDPP and with what kind of assurance he has some to the Rio-led party remains to be scrutinized at a later stage. Swu is locally an influential leader, analysts say, because of his family background. 

Nagaland Page

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Dr Sukhato had made his intent clear when he wanted to contest election for BJP president in 2020 hut was persuaded by central leaders to withdraw. As the saying goes - we all have to wait to find what is at the end of the tunnel. 

Similarly in Mon district, Tehok seat was given to BJP but the saffron party candidate Er C Kawang Konyak had lost to C L John by a big margin. The Rio-Chingwang Konyak team may now bargain with the BJP to get this seat for its quota (among 40).

Given today's situation and if high command does not take much interest - state unit of BJP will easily toe the Rio/NDPP line. The August 3 statement of BJP MLAs on 'solution' display no confidence that the saffron party would be an assertive partner.  

In Wokha town, BJP's ally JD-U had fielded Mhonbemo Humtsoe but he lost to NPF's Dr. Chumben Murry -- who is now a NDPP legislator. This seat too would also possibly come to NDPP's quota provided Rio is given a freehand to draw electoral strategy by central BJP leaders.

There are a few important seats which the NDPP lost in 2018. Take for instance Koridang from the central Nagaland (Mokokchung district). 

The seat was bagged by NPF's Imkong L Imchen - now a NDPP turncoat.

Importantly, he is also a self-proclaimed admirer of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma --- arguably NDPP's 'best friend' in the northeast. 

So, Rio may take the liberty of offering Koridang seat to the BJP and could ensure that former Minister Imkong gets a saffron party ticket. 

NPP's T Chalukumba Ao had finished runner up here bagging as much as 7397 votes as against 7525 by Imkong. 

Now that the Forum of ex-legislators have made the intent clear to take the coming elections seriously, the likes of Chalukumba and others will have the option to explore new avenues. 

As it is, a number of NDPP sitting legislators are hobnobbing with their 'contacts' in Delhi to get the saffron party's ticket. 

Another seat that could come for closer scrutiny is Tuensang sadar-II wherein 
Kejong Chang of NPF had polled 6204 votes to win it as against NCP nominee H Zungkum Chang polling 4405 votes.

So either Kejong Chang may get an NDPP ticket or he too could be trying for the BJP or any other party.

In fact, as the system prevails in many constituencies, individual candidate(s)-based factors will finally decide the fate of the electoral outcome.

As of now, the NDPP and Chief Minister Rio have a big advantage. But the anti-incumbency mood is also quite strong and so chances of at least 5-6 sitting BJP legislators losing out the polls are never ruled out.

Left to them, the central BJP leaders may be still focused on the 'one-MP' state mindset and may not be very keen to fight aggressively win many assembly seats. The focus may be 2024. 

But compared to NDPP, the possibility of BJP braving the anti-incumbency mood
will be more as it would have the advantage of PM Narendra Modi's personal image. 

However, Rio on his part could have a few advantages including from his decision to announce new districts. 

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had added the flavour of three new districts - Tseminyu, Chumukedima and Niuland. The far-flung Tobu, however, had missed the bus.

On Jan 19, 2022, Shamator district was also carved out from Tuensang. 

Noklak district was created on January 20, 2021.

ends 

'We want Solution, not Election' :: Naga traders, public leaders insist only Solution can take out Nagaland grip of extortion/ 'Taxation'

Nagas take to streets demanding 'early Solution', flay move for 2023 polls 

Hundreds of Naga peace demonstrators including village elders, women and youths took to the streets at commercial hub, Dimapur, in Nagaland on Friday, Aug 5, demanding an early settlement of the Naga political issue.

IANS live

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Naga traders and public leaders insist that only an early political solution would take out Nagaland from the menace-like grip of the extortions - which are called 'taxation' by armed Naga groups.

Demonstrators carried placards reading 'We Want Solution, not Election' and 'Political Talk cannot be Indefinite'.

The rally was called by Naga People's Action Committee - a non-political community-based organisation floated with the initiative of the civil societies and Nagaland Gaon Burrah (Village Elders' Federation).

Various chambers of commerce and the Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum also extended support to the rally 

wherein speakers called for an early solution to the Naga issue and to bring a logical end to the 25-year-old

negotiations.

The Naga peace negotiations formally began in August 1997 between the potent insurgent group NSCN-IM and the Centre during the stint of I K Gujral as the Prime Minister.

Officials say the talks have been completed by Oct 31, 2019; however, raising the bogies of Flag and a separate Naga constitution by the NSCN-IM leadership headed by Thuingaleng Muivah have stalled the talks.

In state capital Kohima and other towns like rural pockets of Shamatore, Phek and Mokokchung kept their business establishments closed during the rally period.

The NPAC organised the rally to put pressure on the stakeholders, the Government of India and Naga armed groups.

The NPAC has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Narendra Modi calling for an early solution to the Naga political issue.

The letter said - "the public rally (of Aug 5) urges upon the Government of India to "implement the concluded political negotiations" and arrive at a solution "without any further delay".

"Unresolved Naga issue has produced countless scoundrels and thieves and in the name of political issues, threats and intimidation have stifled the growth of the Naga society; which you assured would be a vibrant one", the communique said.

It also said - "The rally is a firm signal to the Government of India that the people of Nagaland will welcome

the solution and uphold it under any circumstances."

The letter is signed by NPAC convener ThejaTherie, co-convener Shikuto Zalipu and 

and K Imkhung.

Shikuto Zalipu of GB Federation said that in 2018 also the BJP and the central government had

promised an 'early solution' and so nearly five years since then - it is time the Government of

India delivers peace and solution at the earliest.  

An umbrella group of Naga insurgent groups operating within the state of Nagaland - NNPG - led

by N Kitovi Zhimomi is keen for an early signing of a final peace pact.

While NSCN-IM and the Centre have inked a Framework Agreement on Aug 3, 2015; two years later on 

Nov 17,2017, the NNPG and the government of India have signed an Agreed Position.

Since the last few months several top Naga leaders including BJP's floor leader in the assembly and deputy Chief

Minister Y Patton have given strong indications that a final peace pact will probably be inked by August 15, 2022.

While NSCN-IM and the Centre have inked a Framework Agreement on Aug 3, 2015; two years later on Nov 17,2017,

the NNPG and the government of India have signed an Agreed Position.

Since the last few months several top Naga leaders including BJP's floor leader in the assembly and deputy Chief

Minister Y Patton has given strong indications that a final peace pact will probably be inked by August 15, 2022.

"It was a significant announcement by a senior BJP leader. The BJP-led NDA government headed by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi should now walk the talk and give Nagas the much sought after Peace and Solution,"

a spokesman of NPAC told IANS.

“We have maintained that the people on the ground want a solution and are preparing to create a clear passage for

smooth landing of Peace and Solution to the Nagas,” he said.

However, the rally organisers have charged the incumbent Neiphiu Rio government and the NDPP-BJP-NPF coalition

regime of 'betraying' the cause by ditching solutions in favour of elections.

Polls are due in Nagaland by February-March 2023 along with Tripura and Meghalaya. The two coalition partners NDPP

and BJP have on July 26 kicked off the political and electoral process among themselves by signing a seat sharing

agreement.

The NPAC leaders have stated that the 40:20 seat share deal between NDPP of Neiphiu Rio and the BJP was not

acceptable to the people in general at this juncture.

One NPAC leader said - "The seat share pact indicated that Chief Minister Rio is looking forward to the 2023 election.

Chief Minister Rio cannot be allowed to jeopardise Solution for his self-interest".

The pro-Solution NNPG has also blasted the NDPP-BJP deal and of course there were some initial signs of

dissension among the rank and file of BJP in Nagaland. Even the Deputy Chief Minister Patton had initially opposed

the seat sharing agreement of July 26 saying he was not consulted.

The seat share pact was announced after Chief Minister Rio held a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah

in Parliament premises in Delhi on July 26 in presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Medozhatuo Rutsa, president of Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has said that an early Naga political 

solution "will herald in peace, economic progress and will more importantly

fathom out the predicament of taxation". 

Notably, 'Taxation' is a major social and economic mess in Nagaland which in effect means rampant extortion by various

armed Naga militant groups.

In the past, some armed groups have spoken in favour of such practice saying there ought to be 'taxes' on the people.

Security officials have termed these as illegal and even recommended actions lately.

Theja Therie, NPAC convener, also has said that - "No business is progressing in Nagaland while government offices

are busy collecting money and paying out to national workers...why should Naga people remain under the shadow of

someone who cannot bring solution".

His references were obliquely to the NSCN-IM leadership, the state authorities and also the Government of India.

Many say when the NNPG opposed the BJP-NDPP seat share pact, it actually reflected the group's lack of

confidence in the present arrangement in the state for taking the peace process forward.

ends

The Naga People's Action Committee is a letter to PM Narendra Modi, dated Aug 5, 2022 says - "Unresolved Naga issue has produced countless scoundels and thieves and in the name of political issue, threats and intimidation have stifled the growth Naga society; which you assured would be a vibrant one". 

Hundreds of Naga peace demonstrators including village elders, women and youths took to the streets at commercial hub, Dimapur, in Nagaland on Friday, Aug 5, demanding an early settlement of the Naga political issue.

Kekonchim Yimkhiung. Co-Convener. If GOI cannot bring the solution to logical conclusion at the earliest, than leave the Nagas alone

There is intense clamour for lasting Peace and solution to the vexed political issue in Nagaland.

The Naga People's Action Committee (NPAC) has called for a crucial Public Rally at Dimapur on Friday, August 5, wherein leaders of all Naga tribes, influential pressure groups and community leaders even from various non-tribal and non-Naga communities including Bengalis, Bhojpuris and Punjabis would seek an early solution to the Naga issue and the 25-year-old protracted negotiations 
between ultras and the centre.

Will Nagaland enter into an era of Peace, Solution and jubilation on 75th year of India's Independence ?

"There has to be a Naga solution. 25 years of negotiation is called mockery. Let's have some self-respect," the organisers said in an announcement explaining the 'reasons' for the rally.

It has been also asserted: "If you carry tribalism as a badge of honour, please stay at home".

Hundreds of volunteers and the general public will carry placards reading among other things - 'Indo-Naga political issue is people's issue', 'We want Solution not Election' and 'Civil Societies Real Stakeholders'.

The Naga peace negotiations formally began in August 1997 between the potent insurgent group NSCN-IM and the Centre during the stint of I K Gujral as the Prime Minister.

Officials say the talks have completed by Oct 31, 2019; however, raising the bogies of Flag and a separate Naga constitution by the NSCN-IM leadership headed by Thuingaleng Muivah have stalled the talks.

However, an umbrella group of Naga insurgent groups operating within the state of Nagaland - NNPG - led

by N Kitovi Zhimomi is keen for an early signing of a final peace pact.

While NSCN-IM and the Centre have inked a Framework Agreement on Aug 3, 2015; two years later on Nov 17,2017,

the NNPG and the government of India have signed an Agreed Position. 

Since the last few months several top Naga leaders including BJP's floor leader in the assembly and deputy Chief

Minister Y Patton have given strong indications that a final peace pact will probably be inked by August 15, 2022.

"It was a significant announcement by a senior BJP leader. The BJP-led NDA government headed by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi should now walk the talk and give Nagas the much sought after Peace and Solution," a spokesman of NPAC said. 

“We have maintained that the people on the ground want a solution and are preparing to create a clear passage for

smooth landing of Peace and Solution to the Nagas,” he said.

In a statement, the Nagaland People's Action Committee (NPAC) has urged Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India to demonstrate 'political will' to deliver on its promises with regard to the Naga political solution.

“The NPAC constituted by the CSOs and Tribal Hohos representing the people shall work towards this consensus and pursue an early Naga Political solution. We anticipate full support of the Tribal Hohos, CSOs and the Parliamentary Committee of Nagaland to extend its unflinching support towards the common cause and stand firm on people’s voice so that the people in authority will not take us for a ride,” the release stated.

However, the rally organisers have charged the incumbent Neiphiu Rio government and the NDPP-BJP-NPF coalition regime of 'betraying' the cause by ditching solutions in favour of elections.

Polls are due in Nagaland by February-March 2023 along with Tripura and Meghalaya. The two coalition partners NDPP

and BJP have on July 26 kicked off the political and electoral process among themselves by signing a seat sharing

agreement.

The NPAC leaders have stated that the 40:20 seat share deal between NDPP of Neiphiu Rio and the BJP was not

acceptable to the people in general at this juncture.

One NPAC leader said - "The seat share pact indicated that Chief Minister Rio is looking forward to the 2023 election. Chief Minister Rio cannot be allowed to jeopardise Solution for his self-interest".

The pro-Solution NNPG has also blasted the NDPP-BJP deal and of course there were some initial signs of

dissension among the rank and file of BJP in Nagaland. Even the Deputy Chief Minister Patton had initially opposed

the seat sharing agreement of July 26 saying he was not consulted.

The seat share pact was announced after Chief Minister Rio held a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah

in Parliament premises in Delhi on July 26 in presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A section of BJP leaders in Nagaland have said that Sarma should not have interfered in 'pure political' matters

of Nagas and the seat share formula if at all ought to be finalised by BJP and NDPP leaders either in Delhi or

in Kohima/Dimapur.

All district chambers of commerce will put their shutters down on Thursday, August in favour of the rally.

Medozhatuo Rutsa, president of Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has urged  traders and shopkeepers

to stand in solidarity support to "Shutter Down" on 5th August 2022 during the rally hours i.e. 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

called by Nagaland People's Action Committee (NPAC).

"We earnestly request all the trading communities to be a part of this necessitating enactment by sacrificing 2 hours

of one's business for early Naga political solution which will herald in peace, economic progress and will more importantly

fathom out the predicament of taxation," he said.

'Taxation' is a major social and economic mess in Nagaland which in effect means rampant extortion by various

armed Naga militant groups.

In the past, some armed groups have spoken in favour of such practice saying there ought to be 'taxes' on the people.

Security officials have termed these as illegal and even recommended actions lately.

Theja Therie of NPAC also has said that - "No business is progressing in Nagaland while government offices

are busy collecting money and paying out to national workers...why should Naga people remain under the shadow of

someone who cannot bring solution".

His references were obliquely to the NSCN-IM leadership and the state authorities and also the Government of India.

Many say when the NNPG opposed the BJP-NDPP seat share pact, it actually reflected the group's lack of confidence in the present arrangement in the state for taking the peace process forward.

ends 

Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs counters 'fake news' about GST imposed on Sarais or accommodation in religious places

Certain sections of the media and social media are spreading the message that GST has recently been imposed with effect from 18 July, 2022 even on ‘Sarais’ run by religious/charitable trusts. This is not true: Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs

In a series of tweets CBIC said -- 

"Based on the recommendations of the 47th 

@GST_Council

 meeting, GST exemption on hotel rooms having room rent upto Rs. 1000 per day has been withdrawn. They are now taxed at 12%. 

However, there is another exemption which exempts renting of rooms in religious precincts by a charitable or religious trust, where amount charged for the room is less than Rs. 1000/- per day. This exemption continues to be in force without any change. 

It has been stated that the three Sarais managed by SGPC in Amritsar have started paying GST with effect from 18.7.2022. These three Sarais are:

1. Guru Gobind Singh NRI Niwas

2. Baba Deep Singh Niwas

3. Mata Bhag Kaur Niwas. 

In this regard it is to clarify that no notice has been issued to any of these Sarais. These Sarais may have on their own opted to pay GST.

The precincts of a religious place, in terms of above notification, has to be given broader meaning to include a Sarai even if it is located outside the boundary wall of a complex of a religious place, in the surrounding area, and manged by the same trust/management.

This view has been consistently taken by the Centre even in the pre-GST regime. State Tax authorities may also take the same view in their jurisdiction. 

These Sarais managed by SGPC may therefore avail the above stated exemptions in respect of renting of rooms by them. 

"Yeh kemon musalman - What sorts of Muslims are they", questioned Sheikh Hasina in 2016

(A Pakistani thinker Mobarak Haider wrote acidly on Facebook in 2016 --- "The long arm of ISIS has touched Bangladesh after Turkey. Can we understand ISIS and Al-Qaeda or Taliban and Boko Haram as separate entities?)  

New Delhi

In 2016 a comment from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had generated minor debate and there were reactions even from across the border in Pakistan.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister  was spot on.

In her first reaction to the Dhaka holocaust of July 2016, she had wondered how in the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslims could kill people in the name of Islamic values.

The bottomline was the 'game' has just begun and it would gradually assume an alarming dimension.

Six years down the line, fundamentalism in India is showing an ugly face. Two cases of beheading triggered a bigger debate on whether external agencies are working in this vulnerable country with a large section of people too being 'vulnerable'.

When I say 'people' -- I do not mean Muslims only. Radical thinking has germinated and grown up gradually. With Christians the journey is often off-track as more and more reasonable sections are turning anti-Modi for
no reason or rhyme. 

At times perhaps unknowingly they even tend to toe an anti-India line too.

A few months back, Christian intellectuals were banking a lot on the so called 'secular' credentials of the Maharashtra

government - presuming Uddhav, his son Aditya and the Shiv Sena family had transformed into a 'secular'

outfit. Today, the dynastic raj has ended, manipulation king Sharad Pawar has to start thinking afresh.

Is Maharashtra then again a 'communal' state ? So, Christian wisdom is lost somewhere.

From time to time Christian intellectuals work overtime to project how injustice was meted to Jesuit Stan.

Little do people remembered that Stan was the oldest person to be accused of terrorism.

On 8 October 2020, he was arrested and charged by the National Investigation Agency under the

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, for his alleged role in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence and

links to the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

These charges are denied outright by Christian organisations.

A significant decrease has been noticed in communal incidence between Hindus and Christians

during the period (2014-2021) compared to the period (2006-2013).

The incidents of communal clashes have reduced by 43%, while the number of deaths has also

decreased by 87%.

But when it comes to two beheading incidents, Christian leaders either straightway blame the Modi

regime or leaders like Nupur Sharma; or the condemnation of such acts is rare.

In 2016, Pakistani thinker Mobarak Haider wrote rather acidly on Facebook "The long arm of ISIS has

touched Bangladesh after Turkey".

"Can we understand ISIS and Al-Qaeda or Taliban and Boko Haram as separate entities? We may not like to

agree but the fact is that they are products of an ideological movement of respected Muslim ulama like

Imam Hambal, Imam Taimiah, Ibn-Wahab, Shah Wali Ullah, Syed Ahmad Shaheed, Syed Maudoodi and syed Qutb.

These are great names of Salafi, Wahabi, Deobandi currents of Islamic revival.

Hizb-al-Tahreer is said to be their present keeper. It may annoy some of us but the truth is that very few

scholars of Islam have effectively disagreed with their vision and version of Islam", wrote Haider.

These sincere and seemingly objective analyses were ignored. Christian leadership has every right to question

the right wing fundamentalism of Hindus or the BJP; but they cannot look the other way when faceless Hindus

are slaughtered in Amravati and Udaipur.

When it comes to Hindu-Christian relationship, 'conversion' is a matter of concern; and it is definitely

an issue for the BJP and other Hindu organisations.

Census figures show Christians form a modest 0.50 percent of Gujarat’s 63 million (6.3 crore) people;

but in about 8-9 assembly segments in the southern tribal belt, Chrisian numbers are

sizable, maybe around 30- 55 percent. Many say conversion has been the trigger. But Christian bodies

are irked when RSS leaders speak about the need to ban conversion.

It is not that Muslims do not understand the dangerous impact some radical organisations and

their philosophies can have.

Organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI) and any other such fronts, that have been indulging in

anti-national activities and creating discord amongst our citizens must be banned and action initiated against them

as per law, says a resolution adopted at an interfaith dialogue organised by the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin

Council.

This is a significant move.

According to Hazrat Syed Naseeruddin Chishty, Chairman of All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, some radical

organisations including Popular Front of India (PFI) ought to be banned

Importantly, NSA Ajit Doval attended the dialogue meet and he stated that

some elements are trying to create an atmosphere that’s "vitiating the progress of India".

They are creating acrimony and conflict.

True, now the challenge is to work on ground to check the spread of fundamentalism of all kinds.

When it comes to issues of religions, people's faith and issues related to such issues, one ought to

refer to some conflicts and struggles witnessed in tribal heartland in Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh

and also northeastern states.

The central government is treading the path cautiously.

The maiden speech of India's first tribal President, Droupadi Murmu, speaks about the special relationship the

tribal community enjoys with nature, taking "necessary resources from it" and also serving it with "equal reverence".

Issues related to religions exist in these areas also.

In the tribal world, 'animism' is an important characteristic of people. The tribal people have beliefs in

supernatural power on the back of heavy rains, big trees, stones, hills and mountains.

Nagas practice stone-pulling with great reverence though people have adopted Christianity long back.

The "amalgamation" of tradition and modernity has been unique and very smooth for Nagas.

Of course in more ways than one, Nagas have stepped into modernity but have upheld traditional values and do

cherish the ancestral motifs.

To sum up, there is nothing wrong in being traditional and religious. On the contrary there are merits in it.

But what's important is that one admires and tries to implement the spirit of the resolution adopted at the interfaith conference.

"....any person or organisation found guilty with evidence of spreading hatred among the communities through any means must be acted upon as per the provisions of law," it said and rightly so.

ends 

2023 Battle: Ex Naga MLAs and former MPs clamour for ‘alternative leadership’

They are the old wine but they want to make a critical difference to Nagaland politics by getting into a new bottle.

A sensational and lovely display: Nagaland Page

Story Link

Nagaland Page Link

Given their experience and ability to draw “resources” and good contacts in Delhi and elsewhere in the northeast; it is anybody’s guess now whether the Forum will truly emerge as a formidable challenger to Neiphiu Rio’s leadership.

Former legislators and parliamentarians from Nagaland have set up a Forum and would soon draw out a goal-oriented roadmap for the coming Assembly elections in the state.

All options are open. In the past they backed Congress candidate K.L. Chishi (a former Chief Minister) during Lok Sabha elections of 2019.

However, they understand the political reality of 2022 and the near “invincibility factor” of the BJP at the national level.

“We are not against the BJP……Nagas as well as rest of India are passing through a challenging phase. At this juncture especially in the context of working for peace and solution to end the insurgency and political issue, Nagas need to be friendly to the ruling party in Delhi,” said a key leader of the Forum.

The Forum of former lawmakers would be meeting in Dimapur on Thursday, August 4, and will draw out further plans.

“We may decide to workout a formula with as many as 21 NDPP candidates who lost 2018 polls but are now very keen to look for fresh and good options,” a Forum insider told IANS.

The NDPP headed by Chief Minister Rio as of now has support of 44 MLAs of its own but four of them would be denied tickets as the party has pledged to contest only 40 seats and leave 20 for the BJP.

Between 2018 and now, legislator elected from JD(U) G. Kaito and NPP MLA L. Khumo had joined NDPP and are also serving as Ministers under Rio.

The state Housing Minister Tongpang Ozüküm had own as an Independent candidate from

Angetyongpang Assembly constituency and defeated Rio’s trusted colleague Alemtemshi Jamir.

There is truly a problem of plenty for Rio-led NDPP as the 21 NPF legislators two months back defected and joined the party.

The former lawmakers’ Forum does not want to disturb BJP’s 20:40 seat share formula with the NDPP of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio but says – “We want to draw out plans where we can provide more winnable candidates and participate actively in campaigning and drawing a mass level support”.

“As of now, our formula is based on hardcore political commitment and all out efforts would be made to resolve the Naga issue and bring a purposeful end to the long negotiations,” another source told IANS.

“The Forum is not for power game. Let there be good and alternative leadership to the present one led by Neiphiu Rio; but for an effective drawing of roadmap with JD(U) or the BJP, one senior member of the Forum should get organisational role for party presidentship”.

The idea is that the Forum’s principles and ideologies ought to be reflected in the political manifesto and other programmes. “If they do not want to disturb the equilibrium, our Form leader(s) should get chairmanship and other key roles in the campaign committee,” said a Forum insider.

“We want to remain in the background as of August 2022 because we do not have even an iota of doubts on the future prospect of Naga peace talks. If negotiating parties that is the militant groups and the Government of India wants to go ahead with a Solution to bring peace, we will first insist that it should happen,” said another leader.

He, however, drew a line of caution – “But talks should be purposeful and not merely in the name of negotiations. But we are against negotiations which are not making any progress since 2019″.

Keeping the negotiations on but not arriving at any solution had led to increase in extortion from civilian population. The Naga guerrilla groups have argued in public that such extortion is legitimate taxation.

The reference is to the bitter fact that the NSCN-IM and central government’s peace talks remain stalled due to the twin demands of Flag and a separate Naga constitution.

Another leader in the Forum said – “The present NDPP-led coalition dispensation has failed to deliver peace and solution. It is a known fact. Perhaps the ruling elites have tried to hoodwink the central BJP leadership with another set of promises. BJP has given one more opportunity to the NDPP”.

The Forum does not mind that, he said adding – “We have therefore tried to caution the BJP to be careful. But if a solution comes before August 15, 2022 we are all for it and the Forum leaders will be the happiest of all”.

The Forum – as of now – can have “a unique political adjustment and draw our shared political strategy” essentially with three parties – the BJP and (or) two other saffron partners at the national level – the JD(U) and NPP led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

“So, this so-called seat adjustment alliance between BJP and NDPP (20:40) does not bother us. We are for a bigger cause,” says a key strategist in the group.

“We have to get rid of a regime that has failed people on several fronts….There is nothing personal about it.

But after 20 years of being in power and Chief Minister for 18 years, it is time for Neiphiu Rio to redraw the map of his political journey,” he remarked.

“I think, Rio should take the message sportingly,” said one former minister adding, “we will also broad base the Forum by encouraging more women and sitting MLAs, retired bureaucrats, Ministers and intellectuals to join us if they want to follow our ideologies and principles”.

As of now two senior leaders and former Chief Ministers K.L. Chishi and veteran S C Jamir are not yet part of the Forum.

“But we have four women leaders….It is an inclusive club and in the past this Forum has coordinated well with Gaon Burah Federation and a Committee of 14 Naga Tribes,” said the Forum leader.

A few leaders on behalf of the Forum will call on top leaders from JD-U and BJP in Delhi after August 15 and will share their roadmap with them.

One leader clarified that the move to back Congress nominee in 2019 Lok Sabha polls was based on “political ground reality of the time”.

“Now in 2022, we feel strongly that only the BJP-led government in the centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi can bring in the solution….and it should not be delayed,” the leader mentioned.

Over 60 ex-legislators, former parliamentarians, intending candidates, some sitting legislators, retired bureaucrats and young politicians would be working to “form the next government” in the state, they insist.

On July 26, the BJP leaders Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma met Nagaland Chief Minister Rio in Delhi and both the parties agreed for a NDPP-40 and BJP-20 seat share formula.

This was the same 2018 electoral seat share formula between two parties but four years back, the BJP’s strike rate was better (with 12 win out of 20) against 18 seats win by the NDPP which fielded 40 candidates.

There was some resentment in the Nagaland BJP over the announcement of new alliance in July but rebel leader and deputy Chief Minister Y Patton later endorsed the alliance saying it would bring in stability.

Significantly, the umbrella organisation of Naga rebels, NNPG, which is keen for an early solution has also opposed the BJP-NDPP alliance.

ends

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, ‘The Talking Guns: North East India’ and ‘Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth’. Views are personal)

IANS

Story Link   

 Who will be 'unlucky four' from NDPP to miss the ticket?

NPP stalwart L.Khumo joined NDPP, so did Kaito of JD-U

New Delhi 

The ruling NDPP in Nagaland has the next big question to face.

Who among the 44 present legislators would be 'unlucky four' to be deprived of the ticket?

Under the seat share formula, the NDPP can contest 40 seats while remaining 20 would be left to the BJP.

The saffron party on its part could possibly give one or two seats to its national and regional partners like JD(U) or NPP.  

Of course, the call will be taken by the respective party leadership but the formula to decide such electoral strategies would be very interesting.

The NDPP fielded 40 candidates in 2018 also and could win 18.

Let us examine a few such possible formulae. 

Among the 44 incumbent MLAs in NDPP -- 21 of them came from NPF. It could be simple if Chingwang Konyak-Neiphiu Rio duo asks T R Zeliang (G-21 leader) to suggest four such names.

That sounds too simple to be realistic. Moreover, giving such a freehand to one person (former CM T R Zeliang) may not be an advisable move at all.

Next the party could think of other legislators who defected post-2018 assembly polls. Some of them

might have been assured tickets. 

G Kaito Aye was elected from Satakha on JD-U ticket. His victory margin in 2018 polls was 7168

and he has been winning the seat since 1998 when he first entered the assembly after the 'uncontested'

polls.

Moreover, the present Agriculture Minister is known for his close association with Chief Minister Rio and party 

chief Chingwang.

Tongpang Ozüküm is minister of Housing and Mechanical and also a trusted lieutenant of the Chief Minister. He was elected as Independent MLA from Angetyongpang assembly constituency, a key segment in Mokokchung district once represented by senior leader Sentichuba.

More importantly, Tongpang had humbled NDPP's influential leader Alemtemshi Jamir by a narrow margin of 950 votes. Here Rio has to make a fine balance of making up his mind or he has already decided on the matter remains to be seen.

For his part, Alemtemshi told this journalist in 2019 - "Well, I think I was destined to face the mandate like the manner it came as many friends had advised me not to contest from two constituencies".

The NDPP website credits Alemtemshi for having "conceptualised and organised the first Hornbill Festival of  Nagaland in 2000".

 

Today, the state's name is perhaps also synonymous with the Hornbill Festival. Alemstemshi also lost from

Mongoya seat to NPF's Ngangshi K Ao by a very modest margin of 348 votes.

Interestingly, while the Phek MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu has been elected as the new leader of the NPF 

Legislature Party after the desertion by G-21; Mongoya MLA Ngangshi K Ao is the NPF chief whip now.

NPF patriarch Shurhozelie Liezietsu later said - “We want to start our party NPF to stand on firm principles with 

people who understand and wish to keep intact the stature of the party. Therefore, even if the number of its 

MLAs are reduced to four; we are not discouraged”.

Of course, across India as a regional party, the NPF, is second only to DMK of Tamil Nadu. 

After the G-21 defection, four NPF MLAs are Kuzholuzo Nienu, Khriehu Liezietsu, Ngangshi K Ao and Kezhiehyi Khalo.

Interestingly, S. Supongmeren Jamir of NPP had also contested in Mongoya but polled only 151 votes.

Imnatiba Jamir had won 2018 polls as NPP candidate from politically sensitive Arkakong constituency - onetime bastion of R C Chiten Jamir.

Many new things in Nagaland's electoral politics understandably came up from Arkakong. 

In 2013, Nuklutoshi had won the seat as NPF nominee but he lost to Imnatiba by a slender margin of 793 votes only five years later.

Again, this would be also a tough decision for NDPP leadership to work on.

Next assembly segment to focus could be Thonoknyu wherein in 2018, L.Khumo Khiamniungan of Meghalaya CM Conrand Sangma-led NPP had won the seat by defeating S.Heno Khiamniungan of the NPF. 

Here, the NDPP candidate was Y. P Chillio but his performance was not impressive. While NPP candidate Khumo had polled 51 per cent of votes; Chillio could manage only about 18 per cent.

Even the victory margin for NPP was a convincing gap of 4044.

 Another interesting scene could emerge at the Pungro Kiphire assembly segment. This seat was given to BJP in the seat share formula but the saffron party nominee Lirimong Sangtam had finished third in 2020 bypolls. 

While Independent T Yangseo Sangtam won the seat managing 8,747 (31.85%) of votes, the runner up too was another independent S. Kiusumew Yimchunger.

The BJP candidate's vote share was 20.63 percent.

Many more questions would be asked on these lines and many options explored.

Of course many weeks and about six months to go. Drama has just started unfolding. The NPF too will be doing its own calculation and so would be marginal players such as NPP, JD-U and Congress.

The answer to many such questions on electoral strategies - as the proverb goes - lies in the womb of time.

ends 

Nagaland Page Link

5 G spectrum fetches only Rs. 1.5 lakh crore :: Congress, DMK raises 2G scam of Rs 1.76 lakh crore bogie

New Delhi 

The Government of India had put 72,098 MHz spectrum - 5G0 to auction, of which 51,236 MHz that is71% of the total has been sold with bids amounting to Rs. 1,50,173 crore.   

Was he wrong ??

Four key players in the sector Reliance Jio, Adani Data Networks, Bharti Airtel and Vi, participated in the auction. It fetched the highest-ever amount of Rs 1.5 trillion to the government.

(Rs 1.50 lakh crore is ---- much below Rs 1.76 lakh crore a figure that was associated with 2G spectrumscam during the UPA regime and for which even DMK leaders A Raja and Kanimozhi were jailed.

PM's handpicked IT Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw 

Jio emerged as the largest bidder with Rs 88,078 crore worth of bids. Bharti Airtel followed it at Rs 43,084 crore.

Jio bought the spectrum, which could take the company a step closer to launching standalone 5G services.

"700 MHz band could potentially give R-Jio an edge in terms of network quality, especially indoors, and this could increase investors’ concerns on further spectrum outgo for Bharti if R-Jio were able to offer significant differentiation in network quality (vs Bharti) with 5G on 700 bands," the Nomura report said.

The entire exercise is billed as the country's most successful auction of airwaves to date.

 A PIB statement said the interest rate in computing annual installments is 7.2% and some participants may make more upfront payment.

The 600 MHz band was put to auction for the first time. No bids were received for this band. The device ecosystem of 600 MHz band is still not developed for mobile telephony. 

In a few years, this band may become important, the official statement says.

"In 700 MHz, the 5G ecosystem is very well developed. It has a large cell size and infrastructure requirement is less. This band provides a large range and good coverage. M/s Reliance Jio has obtained pan India 10 MHz spectrum," the statement said.

For bands between 800 to 2500, participants have primarily placed bids for spectrum for augmenting capacity and improving 4G coverage.

Mid band i.e. 3300 MHz band is crucial in providing high throughput. All three existing operators have obtained spectrum in this band. Operators are likely to augment existing 4G capacity and provide 5G services in 3300 MHz band. 

5G auction again punctures DMK haters. Does it ?

Time to debate ???..... Did Vinod Rai, former CAG, go overboard?

How did Anna Hazare, Kejriwal and BJP play it up ? 

Why and how Congress 'failed' ?? How and DMK faced the onslaught ? 

First, What was the allegation ? 

The allegation relates to the tenure of Telecom Minister A Raja (DMK), who after taking office in May 2007, is said to have sold licenses/2G spectrum to a handful of arbitrarily selected (120 out of 575) companies in January 2008 at a bargain basement 2001 price. 

In doing so, it was said he not only violated the law, committed several improprieties, but caused a loss to the exchequer. The Supreme Court earlier agreed that the process Raja followed was polluted and cancelled all the licenses he had issued.

In the process the UPA government under Manmohan Singh was said to have also violated the TRAI Act and other settled laws. 

In December 2017, the Special CBI court gave clean chit to A Raja and others.

Vijay Aggarwal, Lawyer of Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Usman Balwa, Vinod Goenka and others -- then had said - 

"The Court said that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove any of its charges. Thus all accused are acquitted"

Kanimozhi: All smile

former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had said in 2017 itself

Justice has been done and the episode is now over. The basic tenet of law is that criminals are not decided on the basis of public sentiment.

 

After Aug 2, auction news spread like wildfire -- 

Manish Tewari tweeted : "In Nov 2010 Former C&AG Vinod Rai tarnished India’s image by alleging a presumptive loss of 1.76 lakh Crores in allocation of 2-G spectrum. 12 years later for far superior 5-G technology Govt could get only 1.5 lakh Crores in auction.Whose agent was Rai?

DMK leader A Raja 

Nadda meets BJP general secretaries, discuss Har Ghar Tiranga, Bengal politics ::::: SSC scam: Suvendu submits names of 100 Trinamool leaders to Shah

On Tuesday, Aug 2 a meeting of national general ministers of the party was organized under the chairmanship of National President Jagat Prakash Nadda in the central office of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

India is going to celebrate the 75th anniversary of independence this year. Preparations are going on all over the country regarding this. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request for the ‘Har Ghar Tricolor’ campaign, the BJP has started its preparations.   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the 91st edition of the monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and urged the citizens of India to hoist the national flag in their homes as part of the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav from August 13 to 15. 

Party president JP Nadda had also appealed to the people to hoist the tricolor at homes. He had said that “PM Modi’s call is to celebrate the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence as a memorable festival. I appeal that from August 13 to 15, all of us should unfurl the tricolor at our homes. All of you from today till August 15 in your homes. Put tricolor on social media DP also.

 SSC scam: Suvendu submits names of 100 Trinamool leaders to Amit Shah

New Delhi 

West Bengal Leader of the opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and submitted a list of 100 Trinamool Congress leaders with 'documentary evidence' for their alleged involvement in the now infamous teachers' recruitment scam.

"The teachers recruitment scam in West Bengal is the biggest such a scam in the country since Independence. Even Home Minister shared the same sentiment...In Haryana there was ascam for 3000 teachers. In Tripura it involved about 11,000 teachers' job. In Bengal's case forjob of 75,000 teachers about 50,000 such jobs have been simply sold out," Adhikari told reporters in Parliament premises after his 45 minutes meeting with Shah.

"It will be erroneous to suggest that only Partha Chatterjee was involved or people like ArpitaMukherjee....there were several collectors of money. You can find it out blockwise and even district wise,"he said.

"I have submitted names of 100 Trinamool leaders to honourable Home Minister and this includeministers and MLAs. I gave some documentary evidence including letter-pads of four MLAs who collected the money," Adhikari said.

"I have requested that the centre should ensure strictest of punishment to the offenders on the same.This should be handled at the root," the Bengal LoP said.

He also tweeted: "It's an honour for me to meet Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri  @AmitShah Ji for 45 minutes at his office in Parliament. I briefed him how WB Govt is completely mired in corrupt activities such as the Teachers recruitment scam. Also requested him to implement CAA at the earliest."

ends