Congress rally in Dimapur vows fight against ‘vote theft’, eyes 2028 comeback

DIMAPUR — Lok Sabha MP and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, on Wednesday took aim at the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland, branding them as “businessmen” more interested in political deals than people’s welfare and Naga rights. He warned that they would not hesitate to compromise Nagaland’s resources.

Speaking at the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod' state-level rally at IMC Hall in Dimapur, Ulaka asserted that neither the financial influence nor the muscle power of the ruling leadership would stop Congress from making a comeback.

The MP expressed confidence that Rahul Gandhi would become prime minister in 2029 and called on Congress workers to prepare for the 2028 Nagaland state elections. “Unless and until we believe we can win, we can never win,” he said, citing Congress’ unexpected victory in the recent Lok Sabha polls despite having no MLAs in Nagaland.

He urged cadres to spread Gandhi’s message across villages, towns, and panchayats, stressing that unity and hard work were crucial to build momentum for a Congress-led government in Nagaland.

Defending the Constitution

Ulaka said that democratic institutions were being compromised under the BJP, undermining the principle of “one person, one vote.” A Constitution without strong institutions, he warned, is unsustainable.

Also read: Nagaland Congress protests against SIR in Bihar

Calling for a grassroots movement, he urged workers to visit every booth and village to collect signatures—500 to 600 per campaign—and submit them to the Enforcement Directorate. He stressed that the struggle was not limited to TV studios or press conferences but must be fought “on the streets” to safeguard Article 371A, which protects Nagaland’s rights.

“Rahul Gandhi has been fiercely opposing the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. We’re not intimidated; instead, we’re taking our fight to the streets and Parliament to safeguard the Constitution and preserve democracy,” Ulaka said.

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He later told media persons that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will visit Nagaland soon, which he believes will boost party support ahead of 2028.

Tilak: BJP engaged in ‘vote chori’

AICC secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Christopher Tilak, echoed concerns over the weakening of institutions. He criticised demonetisation, GST, and electoral bonds as policies that failed the people while allowing corporations to shape politics through opaque funding.

He alleged that the BJP was engaged in systematic “vote chori” (vote theft) and undermining democratic norms.

Tilak underscored the need to connect with young people and women, using the idea of “vote chori” to make them aware of their rights. Highlighting Nagaland’s high literacy rate, he urged small meetings at the grassroots level to discuss the Constitution’s significance and the dangers of weakening democratic safeguards.

Jamir: Time to rebuild Congress in Nagaland

Nagaland MP and NPCC president S Supongmeren Jamir, in his presidential address, said that the Modi government was threatening voters’ rights and manipulating elections. “We are here to fight and protect our precious votes, and we are determined to go ahead led by our leaders,” he declared.

Jamir called for a collective pledge to restore Congress’ presence in Nagaland, which has been without MLAs since 2015. He expressed confidence that by 2028, Congress would have elected members in the assembly and form the government, with young leaders stepping forward and seniors providing guidance.

Read more: Congress will bring change, work for youngsters’ aspirations—Supongmeren Jamir

He also underlined the party’s emotional connection with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership, saying they wanted to see the NPCC thrive again after years of struggle in opposition.

Jamir also spoke on the Assam-Nagaland border issue, accusing the state government of neglect and criticising neutral forces stationed in Assam for failing to support Nagaland. While acknowledging Deputy CM Y Patton’s recent intervention, he expressed concern that it came only after Assam had asserted its claim over disputed land.

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He pledged that Congress would actively take up the matter with the government and NGOs, noting that civil society has often played a crucial role in resolving such disputes.

Ulaka takes on PM Modi

Later, addressing reporters, Ulaka rejected Prime Minister Modi’s recent claim that Congress and RJD were protecting infiltrators from Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. He countered that border security was the BJP government’s responsibility, having been in power for 11 years.

Calling Modi “the most autocratic prime minister,” he accused the government of vote theft and undermining institutions, including the Election Commission of India. “If vote chor is not stopped now, it will spread to Nagaland and across the country,” he warned.

Ulaka said the Congress’ “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” campaign was aimed at mobilising people against electoral manipulation. With the Election Commission “not listening,” he said, the party had no choice but to take its fight to the streets.