Manipur election Nagaland crisis impacts NPF's preparation
Source: The Sangai Express
Guwahati, February 19 2017:
The ongoing political turmoil in Nagaland has marred the Naga People's Front's (NPF) preparation in Manipur Assembly polls.
NPF which is the Opposition party in Manipur has put up 15 candidates in the Manipur polls however most of the top leaders of the party are yet to hit the campaign trail.
NPF made its electoral d�but in Manipur in the 2012 Assembly polls and won 4 seats out of 12 seats it contested.
NPF support base is mainly in the hills which account for 20 seats.Though NPF and BJP are partners of ruling coalition in Nagaland both the parties are contesting polls separately in Manipur.
NPF president Dr.Shurhozelie Liezietsu told ET, "The ongoing crisis in Nagaland has created confusion.
However soon this confusion will be over and we will be concentrating on Manipur election, we are contesting 15 seats in Manipur." Shurhozelie added, "We are working out the strategy for Manipur and our tally in Manipur will increase" .
Political crisis triggered by the opposition to 33 percent reservation of women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) resulted in tribal bodies seeking Chief Minister TR Zeliang's resignation.
Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) which is spearheading movement against 33 percent reservation is insisting on the resignation of Zeliang.
There was large-scale arson in Government properties in Kohima and two person was killed in clashes with police, the Government offices are non functional since January 28 and State is witnessing series of bandhs.
As an alternative MLAs of DAN coalition had backed Dr Sh�rhozelie Liezietsu president of NPF for the Chief Minister ship.
However former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio too has joined the race of Chief Ministership making the political scene further complicated.
With creation of seven new districts in Manipur which has invited economic blockade from United Naga Council (UNC) on two highways since November 1 last year Congress is expecting to gain some seats in hills.
Congress stronghold in Manipur has remained confined to valley.
Political analysts opined that ongoing tussle in Nagaland will impact NPF's performance for most of their leaders have given campaign a miss.
"Congress is going to gain from it however larger gainer will be BJP" .
For 60 member Assembly the polls will held in two phases on March 4 and 8 .