Accusing the BJP and RSS of undermining the constitution of India, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary in-charge for Nagaland, Christopher Tilak, on Saturday claimed that the aim of RSS and BJP was to dismantle the very foundation of India’s democratic framework, which was deeply rooted in the ideals of Congress party.
Speaking at the Samvidhan Bachao Andolan (Save Constitution Rally) in Dimapur, Tilak alleged that BJP was “the biggest pick pocketers” who exploit people while pretending to help.
The event was organized by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and attended by Congress workers and supporters.
He maintained that India’s constitution was under threat due to the BJP’s attempts to challenge and change it. AICC secretary in-charge also accused the BJP of attempting to challenge and change core constitutional values, which could directly impact the principles of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice.
“The RSS has been waiting for over a hundred years to destroy the Constitution because Congress ideals are enshrined in it,” Tilak claimed.
Further, Tilak described the RSS as “an invisible force” that was difficult to identify and counter.
He questioned how such forces have managed to gain ground in a Christian-majority state like Nagaland, adding that “some Christians are part of this force.”
He also claimed that BJP-RSS agenda promotes a hierarchical society where women were relegated to a secondary role.
“Today, unfortunately, even children are learning to discriminate based on religion. This shows how deeply polarised our society has become,” Tilak said.
Claiming that BJP’s alliance politics was preventing it from revealing its full agenda, Tilak said “if it comes to full power, Nagaland would face a serious threat.”
He said that the only way to “counter this danger” was is by upholding the principles of the Constitution.
Lok Sabha MP and NPCC president S. Supongmeren Jamir also raised concerns over BJP’s stance on Article 371(A), which protects Nagaland’s religious and cultural practices.
Claiming said that BJP government was not working in the spirit of the Constitution, Jamir termed as “alarming” the purported remarks made by some BJP leaders before Lok Sabha elections 2024 to change the Constitution if it gains over 400 seats.
Lok Sabha MP also slammed the “political motivations” of the RSS, saying it could influence electoral processes and limit democratic rights, including freedom of speech and expression. Jamir called for vigilance against such interference in democratic institutions.
Earlier, the programme was chaired NPCC working president, C. Apok Jamir, invocation by Hope Life Ministry Pastor Sanjay Dey. The event concluded with closing remarks by chairperson followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
Later, speaking to the media after the event, Tilak attributed the Congress party’s 11-year absence from power in the state to organizational weaknesses. However, he said that Supongmeren Jamir’s victory was a sign of a growing desire for change at both the state and national levels.
Tilak revealed that he had shared his assessment with the party high command and that senior leaders from Delhi were expected to visit Nagaland soon to strengthen the party at the district level.
On the state government’s functioning, Tilak questioned the chief minister’s priorities and alleged that he was more focused on foreign trips in the name of mobilizing business investments.
Hinting at an impending shift in power dynamics, Congress leader claimed that the chief minister’s son could soon enter the political arena. Tilak said that in such a politically “confused situation,” the BJP could try to take advantage. He, however, said people in Nagaland continued to identify with the Congress ideology.
Tilak also announced that the Congress would soon launch a door-to-door campaign across the state and highlight past failures and present the party’s vision for governance.
Asserting Naga political issue remained important, AICC leader, however, said equal attention must be given to employment, economy, and infrastructure. He pointed out the lack of job opportunities in the state was one of the key factors driving migration.
He noted that political discussions in Nagaland were often dominated by the Naga issue, with little attention paid to basic infrastructure like roads. “Most of the MLAs don’t travel by road. They fly in helicopters. So, they don’t understand the poor condition of roads faced by the common public,” Tilak said and urged the government to prioritize those issues.
He called upon the youth to look beyond the Naga issue and focus on real-world challenges like unemployment and the need for investment. “Only then will we realize how to bring development and create jobs in Nagaland,” Tilak underlined.
Criticising the current narrative the state, Tilak said the discourse revolved too much around the chief minister and 28 NNPGs, and emphasized the need to shift public focus to other pressing issues.
Asked about the perceived tension between the Congress party and its MP Shashi Tharoor, Tilak dismissed the concerns as internal matters. He said that such differences were natural and would be resolved in due course. “The BJP or the present government should not play around with such things. These issues will settle over time,” Tilak said.