Nagaland MLAs ask for Innova, say Duster not good enough
Even before taking their oaths as legislators, some newly-elected MLAs from the Naga People's Front (NPF) are already concerned about travelling comforts. On Saturday, 11 of the 27 new legislators wrote to the commissioner and secretary of the Nagaland assembly, asking for Rs. 22 lakh top-end Toyota Innova Crysta instead of the Rs. 13 lakh Dusters which are normally given to MLAs. Here's more.
Renault Dusters aren't suited to Nagaland's terrain, says one MLA
"We came to know about the plan to allot vehicles on Saturday. Since Duster is not viable to operate on Nagaland's hilly terrain, we want Innova Crysta," said CL John, a newly-elected NPF MLA.
It's not known whether their request will be approved
In their letter to the assembly secretariat, the 11 NPF MLAs said that they would not accept allotment of Renault Dusters due to "maintenance issues". Imkong L Imchen, a NPF MLA, said that, "Some members of the NPF don't like it (Renault Duster)". It's not known yet whether the assembly secretariat has conceded to the demands of these new MLAs.
The condition of roads in Nagaland
The condition of roads in Nagaland is among the worst in the North East, and thus maintenance and improvement of roads is a routine electoral promise in Nagaland. This time, the NDPP-BJP government has promised "all-weather roads", latest technology, and task forces for road maintenance.
Meanwhile, the once-dominant NPF is now the Opposition in Nagaland
The NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, of which the BJP was also a part, had been in power since 2003. However, the BJP recently joined hands with the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), and went on to win 29 seats against the NPF's 27. NDPP-BJP was able to form the new government with the support of an independent and a JD(U) legislator.
