Nagaland PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi at a programme with party workers in Dimapur marking the appointment of the BJP’s new National President, on January 20. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 20
The Nagaland BJP unit appeared optimistic regarding the leadership of the party’s newly appointed National President, Nitin Nabin. “We have huge expectation on the leadership of Nitin Nabin. And I am sure our party will be strengthened,” said Nagaland PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi on the sideline of a party programme in Dimapur marking the instatement of the ruling party’s new National President.
According to Zhimomi, Nabin represents a new generation of leadership within the BJP. He said that the five-time MLA and former Cabinet Minister in the Bihar government, brings a wealth of grassroots experience and connection he shares with the people.
As far as the party’s footprint in the north-east was concerned, he expressed confidence that Nabin, under the guidance of the Modi-Shah pair, will make decisions that are in tune with the needs of the region.
Zhimomi was also queried on the prospect of the state government granting prosecution sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the inquiry into alleged fraudulent transactions amounting to Rs 1.9 crore between Nagaland PWD officials and contractors related to the construction of the Nagaland High Court complex in Kohima.
The ED recently filed charges in a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Dimapur against M/s Hexad Syndicate and its partners — Thepfusatuo Rio, Mhalelie Rio, and Vibeilietuo Kets — accusing them of conniving with Nagaland PWD officials to fraudulently inflate costs.
He declined to comment on the government’s stance, directing inquiries to the state government spokesperson. While stating he was not privy to the investigation’s details, Zhimomi remarked that, contrary to general perception, he believed “nothing untoward has happened.”
Earlier, speaking at the programme marking the appointment of Nitin Nabin as the BJP National President, Zhimomi stated that the party must extend its footprint across all 17 districts of Nagaland to become the “number one party” in the state.
According to him, the new National President’s background in Bihar gives him “close proximity” to Eastern India with potential to affect positive changes in the political landscape of West Bengal and the north-eastern region.
Distinguishing the BJP from regional political entities, he remarked that the party demands active contribution from its cadre rather than the expectation of immediate benefits. He described the BJP as a “patient party” where consistency gets rewarded.
He stated that Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and the State BJP President were in Delhi to attend the official appointment ceremony of Nabin.
Meanwhile, a similar programme was hosted at the state BJP’s head office in Kohima. A press release from its Media Cell stated that the event was attended by state office bearers and various “Morchas” of the party. The release cited the state ST Morcha President as stating that the new BJP National President would carry forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
