A sharp exchange of statements has erupted between the Inia Seruiratu, Leader of the Opposition, and the National Federation Party (NFP), with both sides accusing each other of political failure, hypocrisy and betrayal of voters.
Mr Seruiratu, who also leads the newly formed People First Party, has claimed that the NFP is undergoing what he described as a “political collapse”, accusing the party of losing its dignity, influence and credibility.
He alleged that the NFP, which has traditionally drawn strong support from Indo-Fijian voters, had failed to deliver meaningful outcomes for its base after entering government.
“A party that brands itself as the champion of Indo-Fijian rights now stands stripped of dignity, influence and credibility,” Mr Seruiratu said, claiming the party had become a political accessory of the Prime Minister and lacked independence and principle.
The NFP has hit back strongly, rejecting the claims and describing Mr Seruiratu’s remarks as “political lunacy” and “height of hypocrisy”.
In a statement, the party said it had remained an “impregnable fortress” since its founding in 1963 and accused Mr Seruiratu of attempting to masquerade as a saviour of Indo-Fijians despite his own political record.
“A man who for more than eight years was a lap dog of Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is now accusing others of lacking credibility,” the party said.
The NFP also accused Mr Seruiratu of contributing to the collapse of the FijiFirst Party by voting in favour of parliamentary pay rises, which it said increased his own salary by $80,000.
“While Seruiratu voted to hike his own salary, the NFP opposed it both in submissions and on the floor of Parliament,” the party said.
