[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Oct 2: A section of BJP legislators of Arunachal are reportedly unhappy with the unilateral decision of the state government headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu to adopt the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy (TRP) and the establishment of the Department of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Affairs (DIFCA).
The two decisions have already come under the scanner and have deeply divided the opinion of the people of Arunachal.
While the TRP is being bitterly opposed by every Arunachalee, a segment of population is also wary about establishment of DIFCA and its potential misuse by the right wing groups like the RSS.
“These decisions will have large scale impact on the lives of thousands of people. Government should have first deliberated and sought opinions of BJP MLAs before taking such important decisions. Our voters are worried and asking us tough questions, but honestly we have no answers,” said a BJP MLA.
Reportedly, the cabinet ministers were also caught off-guard when these two items were brought forward in the cabinet meeting.
“Usually, the agenda for cabinet meeting is circulated one week before meeting so that everyone has a fair idea of the issues. But this time, the tradition was not followed and we came to know about the agenda only at the last moment. If proper discussions were made beforehand, controversy surrounding TRP and DIFCA could have been easily avoided,” said a senior minister.
The BJP MLAs privately also expressed serious concern over the activity of outgoing Governor P B Acharya.
“Ever since the present Governor assumed office, an impression has emerged that he is promoting RSS and its Hindu nationalist policy. Also, his decision to conduct a special meeting to discuss about alleged forceful conversion in Tirap, Changlang and Londging is sending a wrong message to the Christian community. This might cost us politically and also divide innocent tribal people on religious lines”, said a BJP MLA from eastern Arunachal.
Further, he added, “Arunachal is a sensitive state and therefore before taking any decision it should be thoroughly discussed with elected representative and civil societies. We should not allow outsiders to dictate policies for us. In order to maintain peace in the society, the party leadership will have to learn to say no to policies which can have negative impact on our state.”
The BJP MLAs also expressed concern over unequal distribution of the fund.
Also, the old timers in the BJP are reportedly not happy with majority of power being bestowed upon the new entrant.
“Power should not blind the party bosses and make them forget its grass root workers. We have sacrificed everything for the party and now it is their duty to take care of the old workers,” said a party worker.
