Verdict dampens BJP’s NE initiative

The Supreme Court’s verdict on Wednesday restoring Nabam Tuki’s government came even as the BJP president Amit Shah launched the North East Democratic Alliance ( Neda) — a platform of the BJP and nine regional parties in Guwahati — in a bid to make their slogan of “Congress Mukt Northeast” a reality. The Neda has been launched with objectives to expand the base of the BJP with its allies in the Northeast for a Congress- free region. At the national level, Neda will work to put in sync the Northeast’s growth with the national growth.

The apex court verdict has cast a shadow over the fate of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalikho Pul who was present at the launch ceremony in which Mr Shah accused the Congress for the non- development and backwardness of the region.

Mr Shah in his address to the conference said that NEDA would not only be engaging in political activities, but will also be working for the development of the region. He said that it was for the first time since independence that the Northeastern states are on the priority list of the Prime Minister.

The first political conclave was also attended by the chief ministers of Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, besides leaders of other political parties.

Former Mizoram CM Zoramthanga, Meghalaya’s ex- CM Donkupar Roy, Meghalaya MP Conrad Sangma and BJP’s alliance partners Hagrama Mohilary also attended the meeting.

The formidable victory of the party in Assam has bolstered the Bharatiya Janata Party’s attempts to go for a Congress- Mukt Bharat in the Northeast. The party has also formed different groups to take on the Congress rebels.