BJP national secretary and co-convenor North East, Rituraj Sinha, reiterated that BJP was fully committed to the coalition dharma with NDPP and rejected the tag of being “anti-Christian” or “anti-Church” as under Prime Minister Narendra Modi it believed in true democracy and secularism without any discrimination towards any religion.
In an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post Rituraj reaffirmed that party’s genuine concern for eastern Nagaland people to ensure development concerns and also claimed that the NDPP-BJP alliance would win the election with thumping majority.
The following are the
excerpts of the interview
On BJP as Anti-Christian/Church?
Rituraj: The perception that BJP is Anti-Christian or Church, nothing can be far from truth. Under PM Modi, a lot of people do not know of the Prasad Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) where Modi is assisting re-development of several religious sites supported by the Church, just like he is helping re-development of Hindu temples. People don’t talk about the fact that PM Modi was the first global leader to reach Colombo to show solidarity when Church in Colombo was bombed few years back. The amount of work done under Minority ministry under minister of State John Barla is commendable. Unfortunately, just before elections people start putting up propaganda to misguide and confuse workers. Under PM Modi, there is no discrimination. His mission is that the less privileged must receive their right of basic development and support. Anybody spreading false propaganda must refrain from doing so. Even in our upcoming campaigns, our leaders will be engaging in trying to ensure that no scope is given to rumour mongers to confuse and misguide the public. We respect all religion, care for all people and we believe in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
On the ENPO issue
Rituraj: On the ENPO issue, we believe that development must be equitable. Every Indian citizen has equal right on resources, to better roads and infrastructure, to better health care facilities, to better education systems, to more opportunities to make a living. We believe that ENPO has brought the light the lack of development or development deficit, in the districts of Eastern Nagaland and BJP is committed to addressing the plight of the people of Eastern Nagaland and ensuring that they get suitable solution and a substantial development funding package that can change the future of the generations of Eastern Nagaland. We stand by it and we assure to bring this to a conclusion in the coming months.
Performances of 20 MLAs
Rituraj: We can do two things, either play blame game or we can find solutions. In constructive politics, our focus must be on finding solutions, and that is what the Home Ministry under Amit Shahji has been working very closely with ENPO officials. They have tabled their expectations and hopefully we will see conclusion of this to every stakeholder’s satisfaction very soon.
On BJP ticket aspirants contesting against alliance
Rituraj: The BJP has brought a sense of sincerity and dignity to Indian polity. Once we sign a coalition arrangement by our topmost leaders, that arrangement is full and final. In the state 40 seats to NDPP and 20 seats to BJP is the current reality. Yes, it is true that under PM Modi’s tenure of past nine years in the Centre, his schemes have reached the last village because of which people have great trust in Modi. They know that Modi is the person that can bring peace and fast track development to Nagaland. Looking at the public sentiments, there was so many people who were interested to contest from BJP tickets. All of them could not be accommodated within the 20 seats. Those who did not get accommodated have chosen their own course of action. They are free to determine their actions, but our candidates are only those candidates who are contesting on official BJP tickets.
On readmission of BJP rebels
Rituraj: We are in completely in the midst of campaign, and had constructive meeting with our coalition partner NDPP. If you see, Chief Minister Rio himself has said that the rebel candidates from ex NDPP and BJP members maybe misguiding the people. People must vote for only those standing on NDPP and BJP tickets as official candidates.
We are fighting this election under the leadership of our alliance leader, CM Rio. We will obviously discuss these matters with him. He is a thorough gentlemen and capable leader and we completely have trust and faith that he will be fair and generous with his alliance partner.
Star campaigners for NDPP-BJP
Rituraj: CM Neiphiu Rio, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarmaji, Union ministers– John Barlaji, Rajiv Chandrasekharji, Kiren Rijiju-ji, BJP national president JP Naddaji, Union Home Minister Amit Shahji, and even Prime Minister Modiji will be campaigning here. Our complete energy at this time is focused on running a campaign which is strong and powerful, which reaches every corner of Nagaland.
Is Himanta Biswa Sarma “kingmaker”
Rituraj: The only person who is a kingmaker in any election is the people. People of Nagaland are the true and only kingmaker. We believe that in a democracy it is no longer about king making because we consider that democracy or politics is for service, so whoever the public decides to be the key people who will serve the public, that the public will take a call.
On 2018 slogan “Election for Solution”
Rituraj: Our campaign slogan is “Modi for peace and development”. It has been well received and accepted by majority of the people in Nagaland. As regards to the Naga Political issue, under PM Modi since 2015, more rounds of constructive conversation and discussion have happened between all stakeholders than ever in the history of the Naga political problem. Government of India, particular the Home Ministry has tried its best through consultation to recommend solutions. Now, other stakeholders have to make up their mind about the solution proposal we have tabled and I am sure that under PM Modi, sooner than later this peace process will also find its conclusion.
Why BJP is not going solo?
Rituraj: BJP respects the alliance arrangements and the seat sharing plans that has been agreed between NDPP and leaders of BJP, and we honour that commitment.
Number of seats BJP will win
Rituraj: BJP contested 20 seats in the 2018 election and won 12 seats, with a strike rate of 60%. This election, looking at the mood of the people and the confidence of our party workers and the candidates, I can say with confidence that our result in the forthcoming election will be substantially better than 2018. We are definitely winning more seats this time.