"NCP should fill candidates in all 60 constituencies in next elections": Praful Patel
Source: Oken Jeet Sandham (NEPS) *

Chumukedima, September 29 2013: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Praful Patel expressed his happiness to see that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland could win four seats out of 14 contested in the last Assembly elections.

Addressing the NCP party men and women here at Nousi Auditorium of Niathu Resort Sunday, the Union Minister who is also in-charge of NCP Northeast States said the party in Nagaland had been growing from strength to strength and further asserted that they should be in a position to fill candidates in all the 60 assembly constituencies in the next assembly elections.

In order to achieve this goal, he urged the party men and women to work hard and try to reach out to people in every nook and corner of the State to win their hearts.

He also said personal issue should not dominate the party issue.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Praful Patel with State NCP MLAs after addressing Party gathering at Nousi Auditorium of Niathu Resort on September 29, 2013 (Photo NEPS)

Patel also said when PA Sangma left the party, they thought it would have impact on the party in the region and more so in his Meghalaya State, but it did not happen.

"Because when people joined political parties, there is also a sense of political ideology attached to it," he said.

"I am personally enthused that people in Nagaland have such an ideology and great commitment to see that our party grows in Nagaland" .

With regard to the Nagaland NCP's outside support to the NPF-led DAN Government in Nagaland, the Union Minister pointed out that it should be "two-way traffic." "We are also supporting UPA Government at Delhi and we do take extraordinary effort that the interest of Nagaland is protected," he added.

Narrating about the revival of the sick Tuli Paper Mill, Patel said it was possible because of their party MLAs and party leaders in Nagaland insisted that he look into the matter as the "matter" was in his jurisdiction.

He said the credit for the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill should go to the State's NCP MLAs and the party, he asserted.

Out of Rs 480 crore sanctioned for the revival of the sick Tuli Paper Mill, Rs 100 crore have already been released, he said.

A great sense of satisfaction came to him when the revival of the Mill was finally approved by his Ministry, he added.

Patel also said there would be employment of about 600 people if they started the Mill.

He asserted that out of this, 500 locals should be employed.

"Because unless we employ locals, nothing can be developed in the State," he explained.

He also said the financial condition of the State was something to be worried about.

"No money is there for development and the people are not happy," he disclosed and further advised the party men and women to reach out to people and win their hearts.

Leader of Nagaland NCP Legislature Dr TM Lotha also spoke on the occasion.

He expressed regret that the no NCP central leaders came during the last elections in the State and even after the elections as well.

He however expressed his happiness that Patel's visiting the State and meeting party men and women, though belated, would give immense morale boost to them.

Dr Lotha asked the Union Minister to pay more visits to the State and also see that various centrally sponsored schemes were provided to Nagaland.

He also urged the Union Minister to extend their advice, support and encouragement as the party was comparatively young in the State though the party had already made inroads into almost all the areas of the State.

Earlier State NCP President Neiba Ndang welcomed the Union Minister.

State NCP MLAs, party functionaries, large number of party men and women attended the gathering.

* The sender of this news can be contacted at nepsonline(at)yahoo(dot)com .