Matthew Anthony, All India Congress Committee (AICC) National Spokesperson & Media Coordinator for NER, addressed a press conference on Tuesday, March 26 in Dimapur. Also present at the press conference were Yanger Longkumer, Chairperson of the NPCC Communications Department, and Andrew Humtsoe, Media Coordinator with the NPCC.
The press meeting focused on the topic “10 years of Injustice under the BJP/Narendra Modi government – #10saalanyaykaal.” They also referred to it as the black paper on injustices.
During the press conference, Anthony stated that they have consistently battled against the BJP government for the past 10 years. He emphasised the need to raise awareness among the people of India, especially in Nagaland and the Northeast.
Anthony remarked that as the second term of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government nears its end, it will be remembered as “the most corrupt government” in history, perpetrating injustices upon the Indian populace. He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself faces allegations of corruption and dictatorial tendencies, expressing apprehension over the BJP’s potential loss of power.
While clarifying that the Congress party harbours no personal vendetta against Modi, Anthony underscored their commitment to voicing concerns on behalf of the people. He accused Modi of employing corrupt practices to maintain power, citing instances of extortion and abuse of power to suppress democracy and silence opposition.
Anthony proceeded to delineate various forms of injustice inflicted upon the Indian populace, spanning economic, social, and political realms. He highlighted the alarming rate of unemployment among India’s youth, the prevalence of underemployment among educated individuals, and the monopolistic economic policies favouring a select few.
Regarding economic injustices, Anthony pointed out the disparity between economic growth and job creation, questioning the government’s failure to address the issue of vacant government job positions. He criticised the disproportionate burden of taxes on the middle and lower-income segments, particularly in the context of rising fuel and LPG gas prices.
Addressing social injustices, Anthony condemned the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine the privileges of Scheduled Tribes in the Northeast, citing an increase in crime rates against marginalised communities. He also called for a caste census to accurately represent the demographics and entitlements of disadvantaged groups.
Anthony raised concerns about minority persecution, citing instances of religious institutions being vandalised and people displaced from their homes in the Northeast. He accused the BJP of adopting inconsistent policies on issues such as beef bans and religious freedoms, which he deemed detrimental to the region’s social fabric.
Turning to political injustices, Anthony criticised the government’s interference in judicial appointments and the alleged loss of autonomy in investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. He highlighted instances of political opponents being targeted and financial measures taken to weaken opposition parties, including the freezing of Congress party accounts.
Anthony vehemently denounced the electoral bond system, labelling it as a tool for corruption and extortion. He accused the BJP of compromising public health by accepting donations from pharmaceutical companies manufacturing substandard medicines, thereby endangering the lives of Indian citizens.
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Regarding the PM CARES Fund, Anthony questioned the necessity of establishing a non-governmental fund outside the purview of the RTI Act, expressing concerns over transparency and accountability in its operations.
In conclusion, Anthony urged the government to address the grievances outlined and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.
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