Nagaland | Will defend interests of Nagas, says Rahul Gandhi
By migrator | Apr 4, 2019, 09:07 IST
KOHIMA, April 4, 2019: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday assured the Naga people that his party will defend Naga culture, language, religion and way of life from the onslaught of BJP and RSS and to never compromise on it.
Addressing a mammoth public rally at DDSC stadium here, Gandhi pointed out that the country was facing a conflict between two ideologies – "BJP, RSS and Narendra Modi on one side and Congress party and all other forces that are fighting this ideology".
Accusing Modi and RSS of wanting to impose "one vision and one idea" on India, Rahul said Congress party however believed that every single part of the country had their own unique culture, beliefs and history and that India was home to different cultures.
He promised that if Congress was voted to power in 2019, he will restore both the status. "The moment we come to power in 2019, special status and the industrial policy for the Northeast will be given back to you," he said. Commenting on road conditions in Nagaland, Gandhi jokingly said he was told that Naga people remained fit due to the physical strain endured while commuting. He assured to improve the road infrastructure of the State.
Will work together with stakeholders to resolve Naga issue: On the Naga issue, Rahul Gandhi has assured the Nagas to work together with all stakeholders of Naga political issue and try and deliver a solution. Referring to the decades-old Naga political issue, Rahul said the issue touched the Nagas "very deeply" and that it was "complex".
Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi said he wanted to make a "clear commitment" to Nagas and not just mouth "empty words" like Modi. "I want to give you a commitment that I will work together with all the stakeholders. I will listen to all the stakeholders. With love and affection, I will work with the stakeholders and try to give you a solution for the Naga political issue as soon as possible," he added.
Emphasizing on his assurances, Rahul said, "I will not give you empty promises, but I will give you my commitment that whatever I can do to help resolve this difficult issue, I will work with all stakeholders and try and deliver a solution."