New Delhi, Feb 4 (Agency) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hailed the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) over the decision to withdraw its call to boycott the forthcoming Assembly elections in Nagaland. “It is heartening that in an expression of trust in the Modi government, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation in Nagaland has withdrawn its call to boycott the assembly elections,” Shah wrote in a series of tweets. He said the decision will help in keeping the ongoing process of peace and development unhindered in the region. ‘I am grateful for their positive gesture reaffirming ENPO’s commitment to democratic processes.
PM Narendra Modi Ji has made untiring efforts to assure the people of Northeast India that the government is with them and the ENPO’s move is an approval of these endeavours,” Shah added. Elections to 60 Assembly seats in the Northeastern state will be held in a single phase on February 27. Counting of votes will take place on March 2. The BJP which has decided to continue its alliance with Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party-led by Neiphiu Rio, and fight the polls together by contesting in 20 and 40 seats respectively has already declared its candidates. The Congress on Saturday also released the first list of 21 candidates for the polls.