Itanagar, Dec 4: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday strongly condemned a statement allegedly made by Panchayat Raj Minister Ojing Tasing during an election rally, in which he purportedly said that “no funds and schemes will be given to areas where the BJP candidate is defeated.”
Reportedly, the minister made the remark on Wednesday at Mayu-II near Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, according to APCC general secretary cum spokesperson Kon Jirjo Jotham.
Calling the remark “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” the APCC stated that government funds belong to the people and cannot be linked to political affiliation or election outcomes.
“The statement is an attempt to threaten and influence voters through fear. Such remarks amount to a direct attack on democracy and the constitutional rights of citizens,” the APCC said in a press statement on Thursday.
The party accused the minister of misusing his official position and said the comment violated the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits intimidation, coercion or inducements during elections. It further urged the Election Commission to take immediate cognisance of the matter and initiate action.
According to the APCC, linking development with voting behavior is an insult to voters’ dignity and independence. “Public welfare schemes and basic amenities are rights of every citizen and cannot be used as political bargaining tools,” the statement said.
The Congress alleged that the comment reflected the ruling party’s “fear and desperation” ahead of the elections and claimed it showed a failure to earn public support through performance.
The APCC demanded action by the State Election Commission against the minister for alleged misuse of power, registration of a case for threatening voters, besides demanding an unconditional public apology from Ojing Tasing and his resignation as Panchayat Minister. It sought intervention by Chief Minister Pema Khandu urging him to drop Tasing as Panchayat Minister on moral grounds.
The APCC also appealed to the people of Arunachal Pradesh not to be influenced by “threats or intimidation” and urged voters to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly in the forthcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections.
Arunachal Pradesh is going for simultaneous elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) on December 15, while counting of votes is scheduled on December 20.
Reaffirming its stand, the Congress party stated that development is a right of the people and not a favour granted by any political party.