'Rahul Gandhi Politically Unfit': BJP's Kiren Rijiju Amid Campaign In Mizoram For Upcoming Assembly Elections

It's that time again - election season is in full swing in the picturesque northeastern state of Mizoram, and the stage is set for the grand spectacle of democracy. This time around, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which previously secured just one seat and lent support to the MNF government in the state, has chosen to go it alone.

The party has thrown its hat into the ring by fielding candidates in a remarkable 23 constituencies, and to ensure the saffron party's victory, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, has personally set up camp in the Mizoram heartland.

In an exclusive interview with News18, Rijiju launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for what he perceives as their "insensitive" treatment of the Northeast. He accused Rahul Gandhi of associating with groups that are in opposition to India's interests and receive funding from pro-Pakistani sources. In Rijiju's view, this behavior will lead to the Congress party's decline in the Northeast.

Here are some edited excerpts from Kiren Rijiju's interview with News18:

ABOUT THE PREVAILING SENTIMENT ON GROUND...

Kiren Rijiju said that Mizoram's elections are unique in their own right. They stand apart from the grand political rallies and street marches seen in other states. Instead, these elections are characterized by the influential role played by social organizations and civil society. The BJP has orchestrated an effective campaign, and there's a sense of optimism that we will deliver a strong performance this time. We anticipate securing a considerable number of seats.

IS THERE A CHANCE OF INCREASE FROM THE 1 SEAT PROCURED LAST TIME...

Absolutely, we are confident that we will see a notable increase in our seat count this time. We have better preparations in place now, and there are areas where we are venturing deeper or fielding candidates for the first time. This election marks a significant turning point for the BJP in Mizoram, said Rijiju with utmost confidence.

WHY WOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR BJP AND NOT MNF OR ZPM...

Rijiju highlighted that, while Mizoram boasts dominant regional parties that champion the Mizo cause and ethnicity, the BJP has successfully conveyed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and preserving the unique culture and heritage of the indigenous people. The BJP is unequivocal when it comes to protecting the identity of Mizoram.

ABOUT RAHUL GANDHI'S STATEMENT AND WILL MIZORAM HAVE ITS SPECIAL STATUS REVOKED IN THE WAKE OF ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370...

It's crucial to distinguish between Article 370 and Article 371. While Article 370 created division and kept Jammu and Kashmir separate from India, Article 371 is designed to protect the rights and identities of people in the Northeast. Those who propagate negative assertions simply lack understanding, said Rijiju.

Further commenting on Congress and Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said that, "in my opinion, Rahul Gandhi is politically unprepared. He lacks a profound understanding of both India's constitutional provisions and the people of the Northeast. During his visit to Mizoram, which includes a Jewish population, he overlooked addressing the terror attack against Israel."

"I've personally witnessed how Rahul Gandhi has insulted the people of the Northeast. He advocates for resource allocation based solely on population, a stance that would disproportionately disadvantage the Northeast. As a tribal myself, I comprehend the implications of such an approach. Rahul Gandhi's insensitivity, associations with anti-India groups, and the Congress party's waning influence in the Northeast all point to their decline in Mizoram. I would even argue that the past militancy in Mizoram is, in part, attributable to the Grand Old Party", he added.

MANIPUR'S EFFECT ON MIZORAM...

The Union Minister asserted that, "the situation in Manipur is not a product of the BJP or the central government. Unfortunately, it's a result of conflicts between the Kukis and Meiteis. The fact that politics has intertwined with this issue is regrettable. However, we are committed to resolving this problem, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi playing a pivotal role."

BJP CRITICIZES MIZORAM CM ZORAMTHANGA EVEN WHEN HE IS AN NDA PARTNER...

Rijiju pointed out that, while he is a partner in the NDA, there is no formal alliance at the state level. Several central government schemes have not reached the people as effectively as they should, due to shortcomings on the part of the MNF. We assure the people that, under BJP's leadership, they will receive the maximum benefits of these schemes.

WAS MISAPPROPRIATION RAISED WHILE BJP SUPPORTED MNF...

We have indeed raised this issue, and we plan to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address corruption effectively. We believe that the people of Mizoram deserve a proactive government that guarantees them 100 percent benefit, said Rijiju as quoted by News18.

He further stated that, the Mizoram government did not follow the Centre's directive to collect biometric data of refugees from Myanmar. What steps do you intend to take regarding this?...We are committed to addressing all pertinent issues, especially those related to national security and corruption. There will be no compromises in this regard.

PM MODI'S MIZORAM VISIT CANCELLED AND THE CONTROVERSY POST THIS...

The cancellation of the Prime Minister's visit does not have a significant impact on the Congress party. I am the senior-most minister actively campaigning here, and BJP Chief JP Nadda has also visited, he said.

BJP'S POSSIBLE POST ELECTORAL ALLIANCE...

The Minister for Earth Sciences pointed out that, their decision will be contingent on the election results. Every political party enters the fray with the goal of securing victory. 'If we do not secure a majority, we are fully prepared to sit in the Opposition. Our immediate objective is to maximize the number of seats we secure.'

'We could not reach every area due to Congress's campaign labeling the BJP as anti-Christian, a baseless assertion. Christians have come to understand the unfounded allegations and false propaganda of the Congress. With the BJP's leadership, we anticipate further support from the Christian community, and in any case, the BJP is poised to become a major player in Mizoram's political landscape', he added.