From C K Nayak
New Delhi: In what may be described as a noble attempt to bridge the wide chasm between the Northeastern region and the rest of the country, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday hosted a lunch for journalists of the region to mark the first anniversary of his ascent to the second highest Constitutional office in the country.
“Journalists from the North East always complain that they and their region do not get adequate attention at the national level in Delhi,” Naidu said, adding “That is the reason why I called them for an exclusive interaction.”
During the interaction, he reminded the mediapersons that the NE region is endowed with abundant natural resources but difficult terrain, dispersed habitation, poor connectivity and inadequate infrastructure which have proved to be obstacles to the realisation of its true potential.
There is an immense investment potential in the Northeastern region and ASEAN should not miss the opportunity to invest in the region.
“For this, the central and state governments will have to work hand-in-hand. Improved connectivity is
important in bringing the Northeast closer to the mainstream,” he said.
Connectivity is the key for the region which became landlocked after partition of the country, he added.
Recalling his half a century old association with active politics, Naidu said it was not an easy task to settle down in his new role as Vice President of India which, in his words, he is still “adjusting to”.
A quintessential party man, the 69 year old former BJP president recalled the emotions he went through when his party announced his name as the Vice Presidential nominee.
“I can share it with you now.
The very day I was named as candidate, tears came into my eyes. I told my colleagues that I won’t be able to attend the party office anymore. The party has been like a mother to me”, he said.
“Those were the problems I faced initially but I am getting adjusted to it. I decided that day as Vice President there is no party politics”, he added.
Speaking on his one-year-long stint as the Vice President, Naidu said he is getting impatient with the paraphernalia and the protocol involved during his movements.
However, he has not given up his favourite pastime of meeting as many people as possible, mainly the farmers, students and the common men.
“I have a desire to visit all the universities in the country and meet the students. Similarly I am also meeting farmers from all parts of the country,” he said.