Nagaland Congress labels CM Rio as ardent apologist for BJP

DIMAPUR —The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has condemned what it perceived as “immature and baseless comments” made by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the recent election campaign coordination meeting of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the NPCC accused Rio of turning a blind eye to the data from independent national and international rights organisations, highlighting the BJP’s alleged discriminatory treatment against minorities in India, including the Christians.

“The fact that he continues to be one of the most ardent apologists of the BJP in the face of such evidence backed universal censureship speaks volumes about the weight of his assurance when he states that he’ll never compromise the faith and identity of the Nagas,” it said.

It also criticised the language used to “belittle the candidature of his opponents,” saying that it is unbecoming of his high office.

It went on to say that Rio, with his extensive political experience, should know that a weak or strong candidature will be decided on counting day, by the electorate, not by the subjective views of an individual.

Further, the NPCC said that the allegations of past misuse of Article 356 by Congress governments, “look like a traffic offense in comparison to the wholesale and brazen misuse of state apparatus happening at present under the Modi government”.

It went on to express hope that the people of Nagaland will give a clear and strong mandate in favour of the Congress party, while wishing the opponent candidates a free and fair campaign.