Kohima: Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge is scheduled to visit Nagaland on October 7, where he will address what the party describes as the “biggest public rally” at NSF Solidarity Park in Kohima.
Speaking at a press briefing at Congress Bhavan on Monday, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President S Supongmeren Jamir said the rally will focus on the theme of “save democracy, save secularism, and save Nagaland.” He said issues such as employment, road connectivity, good governance, and challenges faced by the Northeastern states will be highlighted.
He informed that Kharge will be accompanied by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, Nagaland in-charge Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, and several other national leaders. The event is expected to draw a crowd of around 10,000 people.
After the public rally, Kharge is expected to meet party officials, followed by other Congress activities.
Jamir said the Congress high command is “serious” about addressing the state’s issues and converting them into political support. He expressed hope that other political parties would also attend to “see how to save democracy and secularism.”
He emphasised that safeguarding minority rights and secular values is the party’s priority in Nagaland.
On the proposed merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF), he maintained that it was a matter of regionalism and “would not affect any other party.”
Vice-chairman of NPCC Media, Andrew Humtsoe, NPCC General Secretary and Co-convenor of the organising committee, Akuonuo Miachieo, also addressed the media.