Reacting to Deputy CM Patton’s remark that the Congress is “anti-Christian,” the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has categorically denied and condemned the statement, calling it “baseless allegations.”
The Nagaland Congress expressed deep shock at the Deputy Chief Minister’s unsubstantiated labeling of the party as “anti-Christian,” citing the Party’s stance on the recent conflict in Israel and Palestine as the basis for this claim. They argued that the Indian National Congress has consistently upheld the principles of equality and unity in diversity, striving to promote mutual respect among all faiths.
The Congress affirmed its commitment to denouncing and opposing any agenda that fosters religious intolerance and incites hatred along communal lines, both within India and abroad. The party clarified that they have officially condemned the brutal attacks on the people of Israel in the strongest possible terms.
The Nagaland Congress also remarked that it was unsurprising that a supporter of the Sangh Parivar could take a tragic incident happening halfway across the globe and use it to incite communal tensions in their homeland.
The Congress pointed out the irony of the situation by highlighting how the BJP prides itself on “Teaching a Lesson” to minority communities in India.
The Congress firmly asserted that condemning or supporting either Israel or Palestine is in no way a reflection of being “for” or “anti” Christianity. They added, “For the uninitiated, neither Israel nor Palestine is a Christian state.”
The party advised the Deputy CM that if he wishes to advocate for Christians in the conflict zone, he should begin by acknowledging the fact that Christians currently make up only about 1.5% to 2% of the total population of both Israel and Palestine. Historically, they have been victims of both intentional and unintentional persecution on both sides of the border, with relatively more instances stemming from the actions of Israel, the party added.
The Congress further emphasized that the Israel-Palestine conflict is a protracted and complex issue, and the only path to a solution is through peaceful dialogues and negotiations.
Congress announces candidates for Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh
Meanwhile, the Congress party announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, all scheduled later this year. The results will be declared on December 3.
Madhya Pradesh:
In Madhya Pradesh, the party unveiled candidates for 144 assembly seats, with former Chief Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Kamal Nath set to contest from his Chhindwara assembly constituency. Adding to the prominent names, Jaivardhan Singh, son of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and a minister in the previous Kamal Nath government, will be the party’s candidate from the Raghogarh seat.
Chhattisgarh:
In Chhattisgarh, the party took bold steps by nominating Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to contest from his Patan assembly constituency and Deputy Chief Minister T. S. Singh Deo from Ambikapur assembly seat. This move underlines the significance of these leaders in the state’s political landscape. A total of 30 candidates were announced.
Telangana:
In Telangana, Congress is gearing up for a spirited contest with candidates like Pradesh Congress chief Anumala Revanth Reddy, who will compete for the Kodangal assembly seat. Revanth Reddy is currently the sitting Lok Sabha MP from the Malkajgiri Parliamentary constituency.
Adding a unique dimension to the candidate lineup, first-time candidate Kota Neelima, wife of national spokesperson Pawan Khera, has been nominated to run from the Sanathnagar assembly seat.
A total of 55 candidates have been fielded in Telangana.
