: Tribalism in fund allocation embarrasses BJP, puts Naga CM on a spot #IndiaNEWS #National,IANS Special Series,Politics By Nirendra DevNew Delhi, July 24 (IANS) It is generally known as the worst form

Tribalism in fund allocation embarrasses BJP, puts Naga CM on a spot #IndiaNEWS #National ,IANS Special Series,Politics
By Nirendra DevNew Delhi, July 24 (IANS) It is generally known as the worst form of allegation or a crisis to hit any
government in Nagaland it is called tribalism.
The row pertains to alleged discrimination in fund allocations to various districts and regions in the state where each district is essentially known by its tribal affinity and strongholds.
The Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) says the funds should be equally distributed district wise and not tribe wise.
The CNTC comprises three districts of Mokokchung, Wokha and Zunheboto and it claimed that the allocation of funds was a clear indication of lackadaisical and step-motherly treatment towards central Nagaland.
This would suggest of course allegedly that the state government has done discrimination against Aos, Lothas and Semas.
The CNTC has demanded that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio must review the funds and projects and ensure equal distribution.
The CNTC version was readily endorsed by former Nagaland Chief Minister K. L. Chishi, who said, I have said this earlier also that Nagas deserve equitable distribution of funds meant for growth and development irrespective of tribal bias or colour.
Chishi is a Sema Naga and he contested the 2018 Assembly polls on a BJP ticket, but moved to Congress in 2019 to unsuccessfully contest the Lok Sabha elections.
If the CNTC versions are to be believed, discrimination has taken place in some districts like Zunheboto, which is dominated by Semas.
That way the allegations are that funds have been essentially given to Kohima district (CM Rio hails from this district) and adjoining Dimapur areas, Chumukedima and Phek.
This episode would leave the central BJP aggrieved in Delhi as well as Nagaland Deputy CM Y. Patton and other BJP legislators in the Rio cabinet.
Patton hails from Wokha district and belongs to the Lotha tribe, while state BJP President Temjen Along, alsoa minister in the state cabinet, is from Ao tribe hailing from Mokokchung district. So, both key BJP leaders are from the central region and now the allegation is that Central Nagaland and communities in this sub-region have been neglected and ignored.
It may be mentioned that the new and development-starved districts of Kiphire and Longleng got no funds from the state Minority Affairs Ministry under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).
The fact that Chief Ministers own brother Zhaleo Rio is the Minister for Minority Affairs has put the Rio on a tight spot and of course has embarrassed the BJP which is part of the Rio-led opposition-less government.
Another regional party, NPF, is also extending support to the Rio-led coalition regime and as many as 59 legislators (in the 60-member Assembly) recently voted for the NDAs Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu.