“Do not hesitate to visit leaders just because we are in opposition” – Nagaland Congress President
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) held a crucial meeting at Congress Bhavan in Kohima today, addressing key issues and outlining future plans. During the meeting, NPCC President Supongmeren Jamir emphasized the need for effective advocacy on behalf of the people and urged members to establish essential connections with bureaucrats, technocrats, and state leaders.
He stressed that Congress workers should actively cultivate relationships with state leaders, regardless of their opposition status, stating, “Do not hesitate to visit leaders just because we are in opposition.” Jamir maintained that to represent the voice of the people, they must be in touch and acquainted with the state’s leaders.
The meeting, representing the state’s sole national political party in opposition although without any member in the state assembly, delved into the pressing challenges facing the NPCC, including the absence of elected MLAs and financial constraints. Jamir underscored the importance of not only acknowledging these issues but also taking decisive action to secure the party’s future.
Jamir also revealed plans for an upcoming training session scheduled for 6 October. This initiative aims to equip members with a deeper understanding of interdepartmental collaboration, legal remedies, and the effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The training will be led by NPCC Vice President Captain GK Zhimomi.
Additionally, President Jamir confirmed the NPCC’s intention to field a candidate in the upcoming bye-election in Tapi AC, calling on all party members to share the collective responsibility, emphasizing that it extends beyond Tapi AC.
Regarding the expected bye-election date, Jamir said, “Usually, we are to conduct it within 6 months after the vacancy, so we are expecting it may coincide with the Lok Sabha election.”
Congress’ uphill battle against NDPP-BJP
As the NPCC strives to strengthen its ranks and adapt to the evolving political scenario, it faces formidable challenges. The party experienced a significant setback in the 2023 Nagaland Assembly Election, failing to secure a single MLA for the second consecutive term.
In contrast, the Rio-led Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a regional party, has outperformed both national allies and rivals – the BJP and the Congress – through its manifesto titled “Nagaland – Towards a State of Excellence,” amidst a manifesto debate between Congress and BJP back in February 2023. The manifesto included proposals for “world-class educational institutions, healthcare improvements, agricultural modernization, entrepreneurship promotion, infrastructure development, and youth employment opportunities.”
While the NDPP’s ability to fulfill its election manifesto remains to be seen, the Rio-led NDPP-BJP government has been taking initiatives focusing on youth empowerment. The launching of ‘Bloom Bazaar’ today could be one example. The government has also been actively signing MoUs to promote entrepreneurship, with the latest signing involving the NIDC and Ernst & Young LLP although results are yet to be realized. Meanwhile, the Nagaland Congress has also been actively engaging with the youth, addressing the concerns of the people. The latest initiative includes advocating for the payment of stipends to ITI trainees.
When asked about the Congress’ perspective on the ruling government’s youth-focused initiatives, Jamir responded, “The present government has yet to provide a permanent avenue for our youth. While they have initiated approximately 365 schemes and provided some training, avenues for youth are still lacking. Incentives are not paid. Unless the government facilitates it, we are yet to see positive results.” He further noted, “Aside from the NSSB, the NPSC is yet to prove that it is based solely on merits.”
Moreover, the ruling NDPP-BJP government has emphasized women-centric governance through the election of Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Advisor Hekhani Jakhalu. In response to queries about the Congress’s approach to women-centric policies, Jamir stated, “Women are invaluable assets in presenting Congress as a balanced and empathetic force. Clean elections can only be achieved through women’s active involvement. Women play a central role in every decision, particularly in activities serving society. In this changing world, women are no longer marginalized; they are key players in any organization.”
With significant challenges ahead against the impregnable Rio-led NDPP-BJP alliance, the Congress remains optimistic, stating that strengthening grassroots will provide them with the results they need, and therefore, hard work is a must.
Meanwhile, the NDPP-BJP, having touched upon some manifesto is yet to fulfill its agenda on various issues, including medical centers and breath analyzer centers for monitoring drivers, highlighting names of contractors and engineers on signboards, using renewable energy in smart and green villages, implementing RIIN, and establishing a Mini-Secretariat for the Eastern Nagaland region, to name a few.
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