At a time when opponent parties have alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been trying to impose Hindutva culture in Christian-dominated Nagaland, Union Minister of State for Home and BJP in-charge for Nagaland Assembly elections Kiren Rijiju on Saturday clarified that there is no question of imposing any faith on Naga people as ‘every community has its own culture and identity’.
“Nagas have been ruling Nagaland and will continue to rule it,” Union Minister Rijiju said while addressing a press conference here on Saturday. Rijiju maintained that some political opponents of the saffron party were trying to give religious angle to the party for maligning the image of Prime Minister Narendar Modi. He, however, expressed happiness that the people of Nagaland have discouraged such malicious propaganda.
While pointing fingers at the Congress, Rijiju said the former’s ‘misleading campaign’ would not hold any water. He said there is no issue for opponents to speak against the BJP.
Rijiju further said Prime Minister Modi had outlined the vision and commitments for the people Nagaland at Tuensang rally on February 22. Whatever the PM has committed for Nagaland would be implemented, the Union Minister asserted.
Maintaining that the February 27 elections will be one of the most vibrant ones ever, the minister said the ensuing polls would define Naga politics and the future of Nagaland.
Exuding confidence that the BJP-NDPP (Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party) would form the next government in the State, Rijiju appealed to the people of Nagaland to come in large numbers and vote for the alliance for a stable and secure government. He reiterated that the BJP wants stability and security for the people of the State.
Union Minister Rijiju also claimed that the people of the State have shown tremendous response to the BJP this time.
On the Naga issue, Rijiju said, “As soon as the Naga Accord is finalized, we will implement it.” He further said the BJP is the only party which can solve the Naga problem.
BJP national general secretary Ramlal was also present at the press conference.