Aizawl, Nov 6: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian, has clarified that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not a threat to Christians, rejecting claims that the party is hostile towards the Christian community.
Speaking at a rally in Darlung village under Mamit district’s northwestern region on Wednesday, Kurian said there was no reason for Christians in Mizoram to fear the BJP. “I have been with the BJP since its inception in 1980. I am from Kerala and a devout Christian, yet I have never faced difficulties in the party because of my faith. Teaching people to fear the BJP is simply a political game,” he said.
Kurian said there is no contradiction between being a Christian and supporting the BJP. He urged voters to back the BJP candidate in the upcoming Dampa bypoll, assuring that the party would prioritise better connectivity and agricultural development in the area if elected.
The minister criticised the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma for neglecting the Dampa constituency. “The road to Darlung is narrow and in poor condition. It reflects the state government’s neglect of your area,” he remarked.
Highlighting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s focus on infrastructure, Kurian said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special attention to Mizoram’s development. He cited the Rs 8,000 crore railway project inaugurated in September to boost connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country.
According to BJP sources, Kurian also toured several other villages in the Dampa constituency before concluding his visit and returning to Delhi on Thursday.
The Dampa Assembly bypoll, scheduled for November 11, was necessitated following the death of MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21. Five candidates are contesting the seat — Vanlalsailova of the ruling ZPM, former health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana of the MNF, Congress vice president and former transport minister John Rotluangliana, BJP’s Lalhmingthanga, and K. Zahmingthanga of the People’s Conference.
A total of 21,003 voters, including 115 service voters, are eligible to vote in the bypoll. Counting of votes will be held on November 14.
