KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 4: Amid growing anti-BJP wave across Nagaland, the Hindu rightwing party attempted to push Hindutva scheme in the State through President Droupadi Murmu, when she chose to have audience with only Hindu organisations during her 2-day visit to the State from November 2 to 3.
This sneaky itinerary has also come at a time when there is growing resentment against the BJP across the globe for not only alleged fascist style of governing the country ~ trying to widen the hindutva agenda, but for systematic attack on Christians and other minority communities in India.
Although President Murmu was accorded civic reception by several tribal organisations here on arrival at Kohima, in the evening she had an enigmatic gathering with several Hindu rightwing organisations liked the notorious RSS and VHP operating in Nagaland discreetly at Raj Bhavan. Also the BJP, led by State unit President Temjen Imna Along, were allowed to meet her but no other political party was in sight. No Naga organization was allowed to meet the visiting dignitary.
At least 22 tribal organisations in the State accorded warm welcome to President Murmu.
According to the President’s Secretariat at least 50 people representing different Hindu organisations and from one college from Dimapur were allowed to have audience with the President. The organisations which met President Murmu were RSS, VHP, Sangh, Seva Bharati Nagaland, Hindu Jagran Manch, Kalyan Ashram, ABVP, Vidya Bharati Nagaland, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Sahakar Bharati, Sevika Samiti, BJP, Brahma Kumaris and Governing Members, Principal and students of Pranabananda Women’s College Dimapur.
Interestingly, President’s visit has come against the backdrop of 150 years of Christianity in Nagaland. There was no greeting to the Christian community, neither from the visiting President, nor from the Raj Bhavan, though Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio reportedly delivered his message through one of his Advisors in the Government.
The Ao Baptist Church had expressed resentment at the President’s visit coinciding with the celebration of 150 years of Christianity in Nagaland.
Nagaland is expected to go for the poll by February next and the BJP is trying to win more seats in the 60 House of Assembly. But there is growing anti-BJP sentiment in the State, which could cost the saffron party dearly.
The BJP has been disproving that it is anti-Christian party and vowed to uphold secularism of the country.
It remains to be seen how Prime Minister Narendra Modi would try to cement relationship between the Christian voters and his Hindu rightwing party, when he visit the State, which is expected later this month.
The NDPP and the BJP have agreed for 40-20 seat sharing for the Assembly poll.
(Page News Service)
