Nagaland CM, Naga Hoho seek apology from Tharoor
New Delhi/Kohima, Aug 7 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday demanded an apology from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for remarking that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore "outlandish" and "hilarious" Naga headgears but refused to wear a Muslim skull cap.
"We (Nagas) have rich heritage and vibrant culture. We are proud of our history and traditions. The Naga headgear is renowned and gifted with honour, definitely not outlandish," Rio told IANS before his meeting with Modi.
"Every Indian is proud of the rich diversity. This diversity is our pride and our strength and mutual respect makes India a great nation," the Naga leader said.
"He (Tharoor) must aplogize and withdrew statements that hurt others' sentiments," Rio added.
The Naga Hoho, an apex Naga tribal body, also demanded an unconditional apology to the Naga people from Tharoor for what it said an abuse of Modi for wearing Naga headgear. Tharoor's comments, he said, were "inexcusable from a person of such a stature".
"His statement, though meant to be humorous, showed the 'contemptuous mentality' of some of the mainstream Indians towards the Northeast and in particular the Nagas," Naga Hoho President P. Chuba Ozukum said.
"Even in the past, Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had worn Naga headgears and traditional dresses, keeping in mind that India was a democratic secular country, but no political party or individual showed such 'disregard and impudence' as that of Tharoor," he added.
The Naga Hoho also appealed to Congress leaders from Nagaland to find out the details and contact the persons and authority concerned towards resolving the controversial statement amicably on this pertinent issue.
Addressing a seminar, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said: "Why does our Prime Minister, who wears all sorts of outlandish headgears wherever he goes around the country and around the world, but always refuses to wear a Muslim skull cap?
"You see him in hilarious Naga headgears and feathers. You see him in various kinds of extraordinary outfits, which is a right thing for a Prime Minister to do. India Gandhi has also been photographed wearing various kinds of costumes. But why he still always says no to one?
"Why does he refuse to wear green, the colour that he says is identified with Muslim appeasement? What kind of talk it is?" Tharoor said.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
