(A brief interview with BJP national vice president M Chuba Ao)
Nirendra: Let us start with national politics and recent BJP victories in Hindi heartland. So, you all are confident now about the performance of the Narendra Modi brand and his leadership in the 2024 battle?
Chuba Ao:
That's one way of looking at things. We have done well as a political party and we will continue to do well. But the other way to look at these election results will be to read the national mood. India is geared up for a forward movement. That's Amritkal, as my party says. Under Narendra Modi ji's vision, we have seen a dream of a developed India by 2047. Some of us will not be there but the nation should continue and it should continue to thrive.
Nirendra: But is the political message for a Hindutva oriented politics? What about development? What about political solution in Nagaland? And then you all created the conflict in Manipur?
Chuba:
No, not at all. The mandate in these elections were important as they showed us who stands where in these states.... Now for the 2024 battle, the initiative has been won by my party and our leader Narendra Modi ji. Elections are serious business. Of course, the BJP has a big advantage.... For opposition I will say they did not get the right narrative. People of India have rejected their negative politics.
Youths, women and poor Indians are with the BJP because the Modi government has delivered. I can share with you, PM Modi covered 250 assembly seats across 42 districts in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh during the election campaign and the success rate was 67 per cent.
Nirendra: What about the issues in northeast, Manipur situation and the Naga peace talks?
Chuba:
I will also talk about another key aspect...the absence of any alternative programme and policy by the Congress and other opposition parties. If they are demoralised today, do not blame us.
Yes, in Manipur, we have always said the issues are complex. Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh, his cabinet and centre are working in coordination and trying to bring in results. Some measures have been taken. For the first time, a major Meitei militat group has come forward for ceasefire...Things will improve slowly.
Nirendra: And Naga peace talks? Many say local factors are working against an early solution?
Chuba: As a Naga leader, I know it pretty well the issue is very complex. You write a lot about Nagaland, so you also know the issues. We the Naga people have to look inside for an answer. There should be unity of purpose.
But there are issues like state borders, and matters related to Nagas in Myanmar and Nagas in Nagaland and other Indian states. We have to look for a practical solution. We should not think of a 'Solution' or any adventurism that will create unrest in any other state or in any parts of Nagaland. The Govt of India is seized of the matter.
Nirendra: But it's a fact the talks are not moving ahead? Lately, the Supreme Court endorsed Modi Govt's decision to abrogate Article 370. Will all these impact issues concerning Nagas and other communities in the northeast?
Chuba: I will not like to link Article 370 with the issues in North East. These are different matters. But as very practical practitioners of politics, I will say let us try to workout a Solution within Indian boundaries.
It may not be wise to link the situations of Nagas in Myanmar. That's a nation already in conflicts. Issues are complex in Myamar. Within Indian boundary, let all the Naga militant groups pledge that they will not disturb social life in other states.
Can they pledge to stop demanding 'money' from common people? Seeking to achieve something big, are we destroying ourselves?
Business people are running away from Nagaland, and so how can we bring
prosperity for our young people? Is that possible? Extortion has crippled people and the Naga economy. People do not mind getting jobs and settling outside. Naga colonies are coming up in Mumbai and Delhi.
ends
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