Congress leaders in Nagaland accuse BJP-RSS of undermining the Constitution and warn of threats to Article 371(A).
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DIMAPUR — AICC Secretary In-charge for Nagaland, Christopher Tilak, launched a scathing attack on the BJP at the Samvidhan Bachao Andolan (Save Constitution Rally) held at Town Hall in Dimapur on Saturday.
Addressing party workers, Tilak alleged that the BJP is "the biggest pickpockets" who exploit the public under the guise of development while threatening the very foundation of the Indian Constitution.
He claimed the BJP, along with its ideological parent RSS, is determined to dismantle the Constitution—which upholds the values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice—and replace it with a hierarchical system.
‘The RSS has been waiting for over a hundred years to destroy the Constitution. Congress ideals are enshrined in it, and that is what they want to undo,’ he said.
Tilak warned that RSS is not an ordinary political force but an "invisible group" that is difficult to identify or trace.
“How is the BJP growing in a Christian-majority state like Nagaland?” he questioned, alleging that some Christians are complicit in supporting the party.
He further accused the BJP-RSS combine of pushing women into subordinate roles and creating a deeply polarised society. “Even children today discriminate based on religion. That is the kind of society we are turning into,” he lamented.
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Tilak also expressed concern that the BJP’s alliance politics in Nagaland masks its true intentions. “If they come to power with a stronger mandate, the state’s identity is at risk,” he warned.
The only way to resist this, he added, is by reaffirming the values of the Constitution.
Jamir flags threat to Article 371(A)
Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Nagaland S Supongmeren Jamir also addressed the gathering, stating that Nagaland’s constitutional protections under Article 371(A) are under threat. He cited BJP’s reported promise to amend the Constitution if it secures over 400 Lok Sabha seats.
Jamir warned that the RSS has strong political ambitions and could manipulate elections and suppress freedom of speech. He urged citizens to remain vigilant to safeguard democracy.
Speaking to the media after the rally, Tilak acknowledged that the Congress party’s 11-year absence from power was largely due to organisational weaknesses. However, he viewed Jamir’s Lok Sabha victory as a sign that people are seeking change.
He claimed that the Congress high command is serious about Nagaland, with plans to strengthen the party’s base at the district level. Senior leaders from Delhi are expected to visit the state soon.
Criticism of CM and governance
Tilak also criticised Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, suggesting that his foreign trips are more about personal gain than state development. He hinted at a possible shift in state power dynamics, speculating that the CM’s son might soon enter politics.
However, he expressed optimism. “If we connect with the people, we can bring them back to the Congress fold,” he said, announcing a door-to-door campaign to begin in 3–4 months.
Tilak stressed the need to address core development issues beyond the Naga political issue. “There’s too much migration due to lack of jobs. Roads are in terrible shape, and most MLAs don’t even travel by road,” he pointed out, accusing elected leaders of ignoring basic infrastructure.
He urged the youth to broaden their focus: “Only when we focus on these aspects can we talk about job creation and investment.”
He maintained that Nagaland’s political narrative, dominated by the CM and the 28 NNPGs, must evolve. “We need to talk about the real issues affecting people’s daily lives,” he said.
On tensions within Congress, particularly with MP Shashi Tharoor, Tilak downplayed the matter, stating, “There may be differences, but they’ll be resolved in time. The BJP should not exploit such issues.”