Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio govt failed in COVID-19 management, NPF alleges

The opposition Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) on Friday alleged that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has failed in COVID-19 management in the state.

“It’s been more than 50 days since the nationwide lockdown was enforced to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. But unfortunately, the PDA government has failed to chalk out any concrete roadmap in managing the pandemic,” NPF alleged.

Also read: Corona positives spur as India crosses 81,970 cases: Tripura highest in NE

The opposition also accused the government of being indulged in various mischief in the guise of COVID-19. “Amongst many, one such example of mischievousness ventured by the government of the day is increasing the cess on petrol and diesel on the pretext of COVID-19 which amounts to daylight robbery as a major chunk of the burden would be borne by not the haves but by the have nots,” NPF added.

Talking about the recent meeting called by the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NPF said, “The meeting delved mainly on the issues which has nothing to do with the spread of coronavirus for which the meeting was called.”

Also read: Nagaland: Apex body urges stranded Nagas not to return home

The state has registered only one positive case so far while the virus has infected over 80,000 and claimed over 2500 lives so far across the country.

Moreover, saying that the Rio had made a false and unverified claim in presenting deficit figures of the budget in the meeting, the NPF said, “He should be bold enough to present factual information to the people. If he so desires and deems fit for the public to know State deficit figures in a meeting called to address issues on COVID19, why did he not state the 2019-2020 closing deficit figure of Rs 2234.85 crores which is 500 plus crores addition in his two years as the CM since March 2018?”

Also read: Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma takes stock on stranded migrants

Besides, talking about the Naga political issue, the party said, “There has not been any significant breakthrough or headway to the Naga solution in the last two years of the PDA government in the state.” The party accused the CM of just working to protect his seat and position and nothing else.

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