2nd Foundation Day of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party

Chumukedima, 17th May 2019

2nd Foundation Day of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party at Chumukedima on 17th May 2019

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party observed its 2nd Foundation Day on the 17th of May 2019 with a Thanksgiving Program at “Nousi” Auditorium, Niathu Resort Chumukedima which was attended by the President Mr. Chingwang Konyak and the rank and file of the NDPP along with its Legislators. The program was chaired by Ms. Visevonuo Bebi, President of the NDPP Women Organisation and prayer of blessing was given by Mr. Athsan Yimchunger, Pastor of the Yimchunger Baptist Church Dimapur.

A host of Party leaders addressed the gathering. The introductory remark was delivered by Mr. Alemtemshi Jamir, Working President where he highlighted in brief of how the party came into existence because of the concerted efforts of the President, Secretary General and founding members of the party.

In his remark, the Working President also gave glory and honour to the Almighty for having brought the party thus far in just two years’ time. He said that the word “Democratic” which is part of the NDPP is most appropriate since a democracy has its roots in Christian beliefs and that the democratic system of governance had evolved out of the reformation movement of Martin Luther King in the 1500s.

Mr. Chingwang Konyak in his Presidential address acknowledged the rank and file of the NDPP and appreciated the dedicated loyalty and service of all-party functionaries for making it possible for the party to grow from strength to strength in the last two years.

In his address, the president also mentioned that despite all opposition, God had always led and blessed the party enabling the NDPP to form the government after the general elections of 2018 and with victory in the by-elections to the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state.

The party also having had to face another by-election to the 26th Aonglenden assembly constituency as well as the 2019 general election of the country, had to face an uphill task as the opposition decided to combine forces against the NDPP, however, the President exuded confidence that our candidates will emerge victorious owing to the dedicated efforts of all party rank and file who tirelessly worked day in and day out throughout the campaign period.

The President of the Youth Organisation Mr. Kelhouneizo Yhome also gave a short speech wherein he appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the party leadership and the Hon’ble Chief Minister in making it possible for establishing the NDPP and expressed the belief of the youth that the NDPP and its leadership will lead Nagaland to greater heights.

The program was also fortunate to have been attended by many of the NDPP Legislators; Hon’ble MLA & Advisor Mr. K. T. Sukhalu addressed the gathering on behalf of all the Legislators. In his speech appreciated the vision of the founding members of the NDPP for having come up with the concept of establishing a regional party in the state based on the sentiments and desire of the people.

In his address, Mr. Sukhalu also highlighted that our slogan of “Change” is physically visible and that people are slowly realising that the NDPP led PDA is for change. He also harped that change should also not only pertain to our policies and development, but we also need change in our mindset and way of living for that change to become wholesome. The Hon’ble Advisor also emphasised on the importance of tolerance and to have an accommodative spirit.

In his address, the Secretary General Mr. Abu Metha, highlighted many of the achievements of the NDPP led PDA government with the victory in the general elections of 2018 being the first and foremost. He mentioned how a fledging party that was hardly a year old could manage a victory that left many people flabbergasted and amazed at the achievement of the NDPP in such a short time.

The Secretary General also explained that the NDPP is regional in character but national in outlook having reached national level politics in a span of just two years by being a partner in the NEDA and being a part of the national alliance the NDA. In his speech, he also mentioned the recognition and importance our Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio is receiving today being one of the senior most Chief Ministers in the country.

One example being that the Hon’ble Chief Minister was personally invited to accompany the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the filing of nomination of the latter in Varanasi. Amongst many of the achievements of the NDPP-PDA in the last one year, was the taking of governance to the grassroots whereby the Cabinet held the first ever full Cabinet meeting outside of the State capital at Kiphire with a representative of the central government Mr. Kiren Rijuju, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home attending the meeting as a special invitee.

This decision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Cabinet has been taken notice by many other governments and some even planning to replicate similar policies. While appreciating the party rank and file, the Secretary General specially appreciated and applauded the services of those party functionaries in the grassroots without whose cooperation and support the NDPP would not have survived.

He also mentioned that the NDPP being a democratic party also follows the open-door policy wherein anyone wanting to join its folds are more than welcome to join and that we do not follow the policy of discrimination but follow the policy of accommodativeness.

The program ended with the party Treasurer giving the concluding remark where he appreciated everyone who could attend the program and all the participants especially Ms. Vibeizonuo Rupreo, Lead Vocalist, Purple Fusion for having come and enthralled the gathering with her melodious voice and songs.

(Issued by NDPP Media & Communication Committee)