BJP’s call to make NDPP ‘major partner’ welcomed by CM Rio

MON (Nagaland): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday accused his National Democratic People’s Party (NDPP) of BJP in alliance with the saffron party in the matter of seat distribution for the February 27 assembly polls. Welcomed the decision to make ‘big partner’.

The alliance of the regional political party NDPP and the BJP is contesting the elections with a 40:20 seat sharing formula.
He also expressed confidence that the alliance would win 45-50 seats in the 60-member assembly elections.

“You have respected the Nagas for being a great ally. The BJP, though capable, showed humility to contest 20 seats,” he said at an election rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“You have respected Naga history, culture, tradition and status as a Christian state and entrusted us with the responsibility of managing the affairs of our state,” the NDPP supremo added.
Rio also said that the state government will partner with the central government in its decision on the issues and demands of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), which is demanding a separate Frontier Nagaland state.

The Nagaland Assembly elections will be held on February 27 and counting of votes will take place on March 2.