Nagaland Congress slams CM Rio for 'BJP advocacy & minority injustice oversight'

KOHIMA: Nagaland Congress has levelled sharp criticism against chief minister Neiphiu Rio, accusing him of being “the most fervent supporter of the BJP”.

The Nagaland Congress accused CM Rio of overlooking the “discriminatory treatment” faced by minorities in India at the hand of the BJP government.

These accusations stem from Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio's address on April 08, during a campaign coordination meeting of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Kohima.

In his speech, the Nagaland chief minister underscored his government’s commitment to preserving the faith and identity of the Nagas, while dismissing the Congress’s depiction of the BJP as engaging in anti-Christian and anti-minority propaganda.

In response, the Nagaland Congress condemned CM Rio for dismissing documented instances of injustice against minorities, including the Christian community, “despite the existence of ample evidence”.

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The Nagaland Congress’s official statement criticized Rio's language as inappropriate for someone holding such a high office.

Moreover, the party stressed that the electoral strength of a candidate would ultimately be determined by the voters on election day, rather than by individual assertions.

Regarding Rio's accusation that the Congress had imposed President’s Rule in Nagaland, the Congress argued that any alleged misuse of Article 356 by past Congress governments paled in comparison to the blatant abuse of state power witnessed under the Modi administration.

The Congress expressed optimism that the people of Nagaland would decisively support their cause in an election characterized by integrity, fairness, and transparency.