Ojing Tasing insisted this was not a threat, but an observation made during an internal party discussion.
After a week of political storm over his remarks suggesting that government welfare schemes will not reach areas where BJP candidates lose, Arunachal Pradesh Minister Ojing Tasing today refuted allegations of threatening voters, stating that his comments had been misinterpreted and taken out of context.
What Did Minister Ojing Tasing Say to Voters?
During an election campaign, Minister Ojing Tasing said, “I don’t know to speak indirectly. I am saying this directly that in those panchayat segments where the BJP loses, welfare schemes will not be given. Remember this, as the Panchayat Minister himself is saying it.”
The remark sparked immediate criticism, with the Opposition calling it an abuse of authority and a direct attempt to intimidate voters.
Minister Ojing Tasing’s Clarification
Clarifying that he never intended to imply that development schemes would be withheld from any community, the Minister emphasised that, as a committed member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he firmly believes in the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and in ensuring that government benefits reach every citizen without discrimination.
He insisted this was not a threat, but an observation made during an internal party discussion.
Explaining the context of his remarks, the Minister noted that he had only pointed out a practical challenge: voters often understand the consequences when a BJP candidate does not win in a particular area, as coordination between elected representatives and government departments sometimes becomes difficult.
He clarified that:
• He have not threatened anyone, nor did he have the intention to do so.
• He did not say that BJP would deny schemes to any area based on election results.
• Many schemes come directly from the Central Government, and being a panchayati minister, he is fully aware that such schemes must reach all eligible beneficiaries, irrespective of political affiliation.
• His comments were made in a private, internal party setting, not at a public rally or political event.
“If any individual or community has felt hurt or misunderstood my words, I sincerely express my regret. My intention was only to address party workers, not to cause distress to any section of the public, “said Minister Ojing Tasing.
Congress Demands Action
Slamming Minister Tasing’s statement ‘unconstitutional’, Congress said that it was a direct attack on democracy, federalism, and citizens’ constitutional rights.
The Congress also wrote a letter to the State Election Commission requesting its intervention to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect voters from coercive political pressure.
It also demanded a public apology from Minister Tasing and his resignation.
Also Read : Breaking the Ice: First Meitei BJP Leader Steps into Kuki Area, Urges Unity and Future for Children
