DOIMUKH, Apr 3: Addressing a BJP rally here in Papum Pare district on Wednesday, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, alleged that the recent permanent resident certificate (PRC) fiasco was the handiwork of the opposition, and that he had no role in it.
Rijiju claimed that the Congress was the first to promise PRCs to the non-APSTs of Lekang constituency in Namsai district.
“Last year, during a Congress rally in Lekang, APCC president Takam Sanjoy along with leaders like Jarjum Ete and Bida Taku promised PRCs to them. Fearing that the voters might go to the Congress, the state BJP leaders panicked and went ahead with the announcement to give PRCs as a new year gift, which was mistake,” said Rijiju.
He said three innocent people lost their lives because of the politics played over the issue.
“Takam Sanjoy, who was vocal on the PRC issue, is now fighting election from Lekang assembly constituency. Is this not politicization of the whole issue?” he said.
Rijiju also claimed that his two main opponents in the Lok Sabha election were being “forced to contest.”
“Former chief minister Nabam Tuki is not ready to fight the election but the Congress is forcing him. He had not even applied for the ticket and is more concerned about retaining his MLA seat from Sagalee. Also, just because women voters adore me, some people made Jarjum Ete fight the election, thinking the women voters will vote for her. But I am confident of winning as I believe I have done enough work to be considered for a second term by the people of the state,” Rijiju said.
He highlighted the developmental activities initiated by him for Papum Pare district, including sanctioning of the Hollongi greenfield airport and the film institute in Jote.
The BJP’s Doimukh assembly constituency candidate Tana Hali and Yachuli MLA Taba Tedir were also present at the rally.
