Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, who is on a two-day visit to Nagaland, has claimed that BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition was set to win over 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Athawale exuded confidence that in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections NDA would emerge victorious, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was poised to secure a third term. He claimed the BJP was expected to secure 370 seats. Athawale, who is also the president of Republican Party of India (Athawale), affirmed party’s support for PM Modi and the BJP.
Dismissing the INDIA bloc, Athawale said that the alliance lacked the “necessary power” and claimed that the Congress party was “unlikely” to secure even 40 seats.
MoS also highlighted the RPI (A)’s commitment towards the broad development of tribal people.
He pointed out that in the last assembly election in Nagaland, the party contested eight seats and won two seats. Acknowledging the contribution of party’s MLAs in Nagaland—Y. Lima Onen Chang and Imtichoba, the RPI (A) chief expressed hope that the party would increase its seat in the next state elections.
Athawale also emphasized that the party was dedicated to working for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, tribes, minorities, and all segments of the community. He underscored the importance of striving for social and economic equality for all communities in Nagaland.
Informing that he had discussion with the department of social welfare, MoS said that efforts to establish more old-aged homes in Nagaland. Pointing out that transgender population in the state stood at 423, MoS expressed support for them and highlighted the government’s decisions to back the transgender community. He also affirmed the ministry’s commitment to working for the welfare of disabled people.
MoS emphasized the inclusive approach of the ministry, which was working towards the upliftment of various communities in Nagaland.
Athawale also highlighted various projects under Pradhan Mantri flagship schemes.
He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Scheme, the state had 3.85 lakh accounts opened with Rs.117.54 crore funds released from 2014-24.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Scheme, he said the state had 1.31 lakh loans provided to beneficiaries and amount of Rs 1712.1 crore released from 2015-24.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawalla Yojana Scheme, the state had 1.19 lakh gas connections provided to beneficiaries. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), the state had 10,000 houses constructed to beneficiaries and amount of Rs 310.52 crore released from 2018-24.
Further, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (urban), the state had 19,000 houses constructed to beneficiaries and amount of Rs 339.52 crore released from 2015-24. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayush Bharat Yojana), the state had 64,000 beneficiaries and amount of Rs 123.52 crore released. Under the Ujala Yojana, the state had 8.72 lakh bulbs issued to beneficiaries and amount of Rs 6.22 Cr released from 2015-22.
On the old age homes across the country, he said five old ages homes were constructed Nagaland with Rs 49 lakh spent.
RPI (A) Nagaland unit president Mughato Ayemi, said emphasized that the party has not yet finalized a candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. He stated that the party was actively considering potential candidates for the election. Ayemi disclosed that a meeting between the Union Minister and the Department of Social Welfare took place to assess the developmental activities’ status. The union minister was planning to meet with the chief minister to discuss and address various issues affecting the state.