NPF, Congress accelerate poll campaigns

Kohima, Feb 16 (UNI) The Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), a major ally of the outgoing Democratic alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government, has intensified electioneering for the March 5 assembly polls with former chief minister Neiphiu Rio campaiging in several parts of the state.

Mr Rio has already campaigned in Phek district along with the Congress rebel and former Assembly Speaker Z Lohe.

In Peren, the former chief minister campaingned with lone sitting Rajya Sabha MP from the state T R Zeling, who is contesting from the constituency.

Mr Rio visited Dimapur district to address a huge rally and urged the people to be sure of their political stance and be aware of their own identity and party.

Criticising the Congress, Mr Rio said the Party had deviated from the pro-poor policy of Mahatma Gandhi and lost the people's confidence across the country, adding there was no reason why the Nagas should prefer the Centre's rule.

The Congress has also started their campaign with I Imkong from Mokokchung district as its chief ministerial candidate.

Lambasting the NPF, Mr Imkong said the Party had failed to resolve the Naga political problem within three months time and claimed that the NPF forfeited the right to talk about the Naga issue.

He said the Congress will find a permanent and lasting solution, acceptable to all sections of the people.

Meanwhile, national parties like the BJP, NCP, RJD and LJP are yet to start their campaign.

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