‘Beef is not an issue for us, development is’

Kiren Rijiju, the minister of state for home affairs who was in charge of BJP’s campaign in Nagaland, spoke to HT about the poll outcome and implications on Saturday. Excerpts ...

BJP and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) parted ways before the election giving way to a new partnership with the National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). How do you see the two parties now?

We had a good understanding with the NPF, but we couldn’t have an electoral alliance due to some seat sharing problem. So we teamed up with the NDPP.

But the BJP has worked with the NPF in the past and is likely to do so in the future seeking their support on key issues such as the Naga Peace Accord. How do you see the relation play out from here on?

We still share same views on peace and development of the region. The NPF has also sent a resolution that they would like to continue an alliance with the BJP, but our partner is NDPP and we will form the government with them.

The Centre has said that it will continue working towards signing the peace accord after elections. Is there a specific roadmap to achieve this goal?

Solution to the Naga political problem is our priority. Road map to the accord is already there. Development has been an issue in the state. Therefore, we will ensure all projects and programme announced by the Centre are executed.

How did BJP manage to grow in a Christianmajority state?

It is because our agenda is development. They are diversionary tactics deployed by the Congress.

NEWDELHI:

So can you say that results in Nagaland show that BJP is a party which is inclusive of all communities?

Obliviously. BJP stands for “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”. It’s the slogan of our PM and is also our mantra.

In the NE states, especially in Nagaland, how will you navigate through controversial issues such as the beef ban?

That is not as an issue for us. The Congress tried to raise the issue but our focus is development.

What was the biggest challenge in Nagaland polls?

To break the boycott call given by certain groups.

What are your major takeaways from the elections?

The Naga people have reposed faith in BJP. We won’t disappoint them. In Tripura, our victory is historic, as the Left Front had ruled there for over two decades and in Meghalaya, Congress will be voted out. Congress will not come back to power that itself is a victory. So overall, the elections results are very positive.