15/03/2025
Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has raised concerns over a recently surfaced circular from the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state unit, which has been widely circulating on social media. The circular, dated March 6, 2025, was issued by the BJP State General Secretary under the directive of the State BJP President. It urges all BJP MPs, Ministers, and MLAs to make public statements and engage with their constituents through media and social platforms to disseminate "accurate information" regarding the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 (APFRA). The campaign has been given a deadline of March 20, 2025.
In response, the APCC has questioned the BJPโs urgency in enforcing this directive, especially during the financially critical March-end period. The Congress party pointed out that this is a time when MPs, Ministers, and MLAs are usually occupied with financial year-end closures, addressing public concerns, and dealing with budget-related issues. The APCC expressed skepticism over why BJP legislators are being engaged in political campaigns instead of focusing on governance and public welfare.
๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก?
The Congress alleged that the BJPโs move is a veiled attempt to enforce political unity among its lawmakers in support of APFRA, 1978. According to the APCC, the ruling party's sudden focus on the Act is an attempt to regain lost political ground, particularly after facing backlash from Christian communities and other minorities who oppose the legislation. The party further speculated that upcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections might be another reason behind BJPโs intensified campaign on the issue.
The APCC criticized the BJP for allegedly pushing a "divisive agenda" under external influence and warned that such a move could create unrest and deepen religious tensions. It also demanded clarity on what "accurate information" BJP legislators have been instructed to share with the public.
๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, while addressing the Assembly, assured that the government would seek an extension from the High Court for framing rules related to APFRA. He also promised the formation of a consultative committee with representatives from various religious groups and community-based organizations to ensure broad-based discussions before finalizing any decision on the Act.
Despite these assurances, the APCC pointed out that the government has yet to take concrete steps, such as filing a petition for an extension, framing rules, or inviting stakeholders for discussions. The party accused the BJP of attempting to revive a "dormant and controversial" Act instead of working towards a more inclusive legal framework that respects all religious and cultural communities.
๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐
The Congress reiterated its commitment to secularism and democracy, asserting that it does not play the "religion card" in politics. It accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments in Arunachal Pradeshโs tribal society and warned that such tactics would not succeed in misleading the people.
With BJP leaders set to launch their outreach efforts, APCC has vowed to monitor their activities closely. "Ground reports, along with photos and videos, will be scrutinized to ensure that BJP leaders' statements align with their assurances," the party stated.
As the March 20 deadline approaches, political tensions continue to rise over APFRA, 1978, with both sides positioning themselves for a potential political showdown.
