Article 371 (A) at risk in BJP’s hands, alleges Jairam Ramesh

February 17, 2023 26 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 17

There’s always the risk of Article 371 (A) in the hands of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it believes in uniformity and suppression of diversity, asserted Jairam Ramesh on Thursday.

The former Union Minister and MP Rajya Sabha, who is also the General Secretary in-charge Communication department AICC, is on a two-day visit to Nagaland for the ensuing general election.

Addressing a press conference held at Congress Bhawan, Kohima, he buttress the assertion by stating that the BJP is ‘most uncomfortable with the idea of religion, ethnicity, faith, languages and cultural diversity.’

‘A government which can abolish Article 370 can abolish 371 (A) overnight,’ he alleged.

He said it was the Congress at the centre who introduced Article 371 (A) in the Constitution of India 61 years ago as ‘Congress Believes in unity through diversity.’

‘Copycat’ manifesto
Meanwhile, Jairam further claimed that the recently released BJP’s manifesto was a “copycat” of the Congress, particularly the vision for the Eastern Nagaland.

It was copy pasted from Congress manifesto which was released ten days ahead of BJP, he maintained.

To this end, he quipped that that BJP and NDPP ‘s slogan for 2023 should ‘election for confusion’ and ‘change has gone.’

“The last five years was a period of betrayals and failed promises. There are ample evidences as development came to complete halt and corruption has increased astronomically,” he added, citing poor connectivity across the state, erratic water and power supply and termed Jal Jeevan mission as ‘more jeeval and no jal.’

Important election in Naga history
Stating 2023 general election as important in Naga history, the General Secretary also maintained that it is an opportunity for the people of Nagaland to reject forces who made false promises.

“This election is an opportunity for the people to put their trust and confidence in a party that celebrates the many diversity of the Indians,’ he conveyed.

He also called upon the youth to show the door to those forces who double talk and failed on their promises.

When queried on why there has been no campaign by the Congress candidates, he commented there are two types of campaign ‘loud and silent’ indicating the party is doing silent campaign on the ground, adding: ‘We are not rich like BJP to organise loud campaign programmes.’

He also stated their candidates are not just for a symbolic fight but to curb corruptions in the state.

Meanwhile, the intending candidate for 9th Kohima Town AC, Meshenlo Magh said that the party is
‘doing ground works by reaching out to people, not trying to bribe people with money.’ He also expressed hope that there will be change in Kohima Town.

Seyiechülie Sachü for 11 Northern Angami-II also asserted that the candidates are not blindly set up by the party.
‘Am here through my own decision,” he said, adding that he is the fray to be the voice of the people.

On the sideline of the programmes, he also alleged corruption in his constituency during the last 30 years where ‘the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.

‘I know I cannot win but still then, I am here for the people,’ said Sachü, further adding that educated unemployed youths are rooting for him.