Ahead of the Urban Local Body (ULB) election scheduled for June 26, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Phek Region is campaigning in Chozuba Town, Phek district. The campaign event kicked off on June 14 at Chozuba Town, Phek district.
KG Kenye, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, stressed the importance of electing councilors who would work in tandem with the ruling government.
Kenye pointed out that the earlier municipal Act contravened the people’s interests, which led to loss of lives and governmental standstill, resulting in a two-decade gap in ULB elections. However, the present state government took the initiative to amend the Act and passed the new Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, paving the way for the upcoming ULB elections.
He emphasized that while Nagas do not culturally discriminate against women, he was delighted that the election would include a 33% reservation for women to provide equal opportunities. Kenye highlighted the need for regional parties in the government to protect the rights, interests, and traditions of the people, as well as the importance of representation by regional parties in municipal and town councils.
Kenye noted that the Chozuba assembly constituency and Phek district are regional strongholds and stressed the need to groom them to protect the party’s rights and prevent polarization by other political party interests.
Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, stated in his speech that the NDPP is the sole regional party that voices the concerns of the Naga people. He emphasized that under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership, the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 was passed, aiming to establish Municipal Councils and Town Councils for local self-development after a hiatus due to complexities.
He urged NDPP candidates to uphold the trust and confidence placed in them and work diligently for victory. Khamo noted the significant number of candidates contesting in the ULB elections, including women candidates, reflecting progress in women’s empowerment and community welfare.
Regarding the recent Lok Sabha election where Congress won against the NDPP candidate by a large margin, he attributed it not to NDPP’s inadequacy or electorate criticism on social media but to the misdoings of some social organizations and religious factors that worked against the Christian community.
Khamo mentioned the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, expressing concern about its impact on Christian practices. He clarified that while the Nagaland Government condemned and opposed the bill, he himself participated in the discussion in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to voice concerns for the Christian community and the people.
He highlighted the NDPP-led government’s opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC), aiming to protect the interests of the people. Khamo urged NDPP members to be clear about the party’s actions and achievements.
He also highlighted how the state has restored peace under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership by reaching out to all factions. Khamo urged voters in Chozuba town to support councilors aligned with the ruling government to strengthen leadership.
He emphasized the significance of upright leaders who can facilitate development and change the locality’s narrative positively. These leaders should guide youngsters towards entrepreneurship, employment, and skill development, as well as address infrastructural needs such as drainage, public toilets, marketing sheds, water, and healthcare facilities, and provisions like rations for the people. Khamo stressed that councilors should work for grassroots people.
He appealed to the electorate not to engage in election fights based on clanism or village affiliations but to focus on electing the right leaders who would genuinely work for the neighborhood’s welfare.
Nuzota Swuro, Convenor of the ULB Election Committee, NDPP Phek Region, said that politics is not about rumor mills but about the development and empowerment of the people. He stressed the need for strategy and highlighted initiatives taken by the government with people-centric schemes such as PM-Kisan, CMHIS, and road infrastructure. He urged party workers to work efficiently to strengthen the party.
Meanwhile, K Puro, Vice-president of CEB NDPP, stated that in the ULB election, there are no alliances and all political parties are competing independently. He asked the people not to be misled by propaganda. He urged citizens of Chozuba town to join hands with the government and not miss the opportunity for development, as being a pioneer town in Phek district. He encouraged them to continue leading the way as an inspiration to other parts of the district.
A speech was also delivered by Neikhrolo Khalo, President of NDPP Phek region, while the program was chaired by Vevohu Epao, President of NDPP 18th Chozuba AC.
