Dimapur: President of the Rising People’s Party (RPP), Joel Naga, endorsed the Congress party’s candidate, Supongmeren Jamir, during a campaign rally organised by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) in Dimapur.
Reaffirming RPP’s support for Congress, Joel emphasised their shared values of secularism, diversity, inclusivity, and respect for minorities.
Addressing a crowd of approximately 2500, he stressed the importance of a Congress victory both nationally and in Nagaland, labeling it crucial to uphold secular principles and minority rights.
Joel warned against the BJP’s political agenda, citing the nomination of Dr Chumben Murry as the consensus candidate in Nagaland, contrasting with Supongmeren Jamir, the choice favored by Nagas.
He cautioned against what he viewed as attempts to reshape Indian politics. “The battle is between the RSS and the Naga people,” Joel Naga proclaimed, urging citizens to protect their cultural and religious identity through the ballot.
Highlighting concerns about potential constitutional amendments, Joel expressed fears of India transforming into a Hindu nation and compared it to countries like Pakistan and Turkey where religious minorities face marginalisation.
“”They want to turn this country into a Hindu nation. For so many years, we’ve enjoyed the fruits of the Constitution of India, which is secularism and respect for minorities, especially religious minorities. Today they want to take away our rights”, he said.
He criticised Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for alleged silence on issues affecting Christians and lambasted the PDA government for failing to oppose policies like the beef ban and imposition of Hindi language in tribal schools.
“The issue is very serious. We are talking about cultural imperialism. Politically, they are going to control everything – what you eat, what you wear, what you speak”, he warned.
“You are the party workers for the Congress. And your presence here this afternoon is very, very important. It has boosted the morale of Congress and all the right-thinking citizens in Nagaland”, he added.
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Joel rallied Nagas to stand against perceived cultural imperialism and urged active participation in the electoral process. He called upon citizens to recognise their significance in shaping the Congress campaign and accused the ruling NDPP-led government of engaging in “money politics.”
Moreover, Joel cautioned against the BJP’s pledge to implement a Uniform Civil Code. He said that the upcoming elections is a critical moment for the Nagas to assert their rights and resist encroachments on their cultural autonomy.
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