Rio 'father of defections' : Alva

Kohima, Mar 1 (UNI) AICC general secretary Margaret Alva has accused former chief minister Neiphiu Rio as the 'father of all defections and the root cause of all corruption' in Nagaland.

Addressing election rallies in support of the Congress candidates yesterday, Ms Alva lambasted the erstwhile Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government and said Mr Rio was 'responsible for siphoning off' development money worth crores of rupees.

She said only her Party was committed to development of the Northeastern region and finding a solution to the Naga political problem.

Commenting on the dismissal of the DAN government and imposition of President's rule, she said even after being reduced to minority, Mr Rio 'refused' to give up the chair.

''During his tenure Mr Rio withdrew Rs 480 crore from the state exchequer causing serious problems as there was no money to give salaries to government servants,'' Ms Alva said.

She said the Centre was interested to bring the state into the mainstream of development.

''Investment in the state will come once peace comes,'' she said.

The AICC leader appealed to the electorate not to repeat the mistake of the past by allowing the DAN to come back to power.

Election to the 60-member Nagaland Assembly will be held on March 5.

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