BJP-led NEDA to discuss north-east development, Congress’ ouster

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) BJP President Amit Shah will on Tuesday inaugurate the second conclave of the party-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) here with a focus on the coming elections in three north-east states, the party said on Monday.

NEDA is a conglomerate of eight political parties formed in 2016 by the Bharatiya Janata Party along with regional outfits like Sikkim Democratic Front, Asom Gana Parishad, Bodoland People's Front, Naga People's Front, Asom Gana Shakti, National People's Party, and United Democratic Party.

Its first conclave was held in Assam's major city Guwahati in July 2016. The BJP's Hemanta Biswa Sarma is its Convenor.

"NEDA has formed governments in five of the eight north-east states. We have elections coming up in Tripura and Meghalaya in February 2018 and in Mizoram in November 2018. We will continue to work in the north-east states for inclusive growth, consolidating regional equations and making NEDA stronger," BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav told the media here.

He said the stated objectives of NEDA include security of bordering states, promoting feeling of national integrity, infrastructure and tourism development in the north-east, and promotion of organic farming.

"Besides, we want to make the region Congress-mukt (free of Congress)," he said.

Sarma said NEDA had played a crucial role in increasing coordination among the north-eastern states, resolving boundary disputes, and promoting dialogue.

He said Chief Ministers of five states from the north-east and leaders from eight political parties, apart from three former Chief Ministers, will participate in Tuesday's conclave.