S. Supongmeren Jamir, Congress’s pick for Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha seat, pledges to safeguard state traditions, resolve the Naga political issue, and address Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) statehood demands.

Jamir criticises the current People’s Democratic Alliance government, alleging its allegiance to the RSS-BJP, leading to neglect in crucial areas like Naga political solutions, minority rights, and cultural preservation. “The party (Congress) is of the firm belief that we should stand for the people of the state,” he said.

“The Congress prioritises the people’s welfare,” Jamir emphasises, citing plans for peace, development and equal opportunities for all.

He blames the RSS-BJP control for rampant corruption and lack of grassroots development, highlighting the need for self-employment schemes and youth empowerment. “People in the grassroots are not getting their facilities… the government comes up with various welfare schemes but it never reaches the grassroots people here,” he said.

Jamir said that while the white-coloured jobs had reached a saturation point, the state government was not coming up with measures to help the educated youths start self-employment schemes. “There is no vision for youths and women of the day,” he said.

Jamir promises comprehensive schemes under the Congress-led INDIA Bloc, targeting various sectors including education, agriculture and women’s welfare.

He criticises the state’s MLAs for yielding to RSS-BJP influence, hindering progress. Jamir urges voters to embrace secularism and vote for change. “The sad part of the state government is that all 60 (MLAs) have become Opposition-less and are now being systematically controlled by the RSS-BJP at the Centre. We cannot expect any positive deliverance from the state government,” he said.

Civil societies and the general public have the weapon of utilising their precious vote to bring the much-needed change in the state in particular and the Centre in general, he said, while appealing to the electorate to come forward in consciously exercising their franchise. “Cast your vote in favour of secularism, which only the Congress upholds and continues to fight on those objects,” he said.

Jamir pledges to focus on resolving the Naga political issue and addressing ENPO’s statehood demand if elected. He slams the government’s delay in addressing these pressing issues. “If INDIA Bloc led by the Congress comes to power at the Centre, solution of these issues will definitely be brought about,” he claimed.

Despite Congress’s lack of MLAs since 2015, Jamir vows to address public concerns, citing the Modi government’s adverse impact on Nagaland.

Voting for Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha seat is scheduled for April 19, with candidates, including Chumben Murry from NDPP-led PDA and Independent candidate Huyithung Tungoe Lotha.