Nagaland Deputy CM faces backlash over deleted Israel-Palestine comment; Receives crucial role in Mizoram Assembly Elections

In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vocal support for Israel, a recent social media controversy has erupted in Nagaland, where the Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton, made contentious remarks regarding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

This incident, as reported by The Wire, originated when various Hindutva groups expressed strong support for Israel, labeling Hamas as a ‘terrorist’ organization and aligning with Israel’s stance on social media platforms. Deputy CM Patton subsequently joined this movement, seemingly eager to align with his party’s position against the Congress’s statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict, as claimed by The Wire.

Patton’s initial social media post accused the Congress party of being “anti-Christian,” linking their stance to Israel, which he claimed was a “Christian country.” His post read, “Congress party is anti-Christian party. PM Modi stood in solidarity with a Christian country – Israel, but Congress party instead of supporting Israel supports terrorist Hamas. So Congress Party is anti-Christian,” he wrote.

The post quickly attracted a wave of criticism and trolls, primarily because it incorrectly identified Israel as a “Christian country.” In response to the backlash, Patton deleted the post from his social media account, but not before it went viral within the region.

On October 13, Patton released a new statement on the same platform. In this statement, he said, “In the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, regardless of the religious compositions, it is essential that we, as people of the world, never side with terror and terrorists. India has been clear about it and the stance has been strongly echoed by our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. However, if any individual or political party side with terror, it raises serious questions about their commitment to well-being of people across world and global peace.”

However, it’s noteworthy that the Modi government had altered its original position on the Israel-Hamas conflict by the time Patton issued his revised statement. The Ministry of External Affairs, in alignment with India’s longstanding Palestine policy, emphasized its support for direct negotiations to establish a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, alongside a peaceful Israel, referencing the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Deputy CM, along with BJP National Secretary Anil Antony, has been appointed as the Election Co-Incharge for the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram. Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, has been appointed as the Election Incharge.

“Humbled and honored to be appointed as an Election Co-Incharge for the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram. My gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Hon’ble HM Shri  @AmitShah Ji, BJP National President Shri @JPNadda  Ji, BJP (Org.) National General Secretary Shri @blsanthosh Ji and the entire leadership of  @BJP4India for the faith reposed in me,” Patton tweeted.

Humbled and honored to be appointed as an Election Co-Incharge for the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram.

My gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Hon'ble HM Shri @AmitShah Ji, BJP National President Shri @JPNadda Ji, BJP (Org.) National General Secretary Shri… https://t.co/Jgbf4vVsAd

— Yanthungo Patton (@YanthungoPatton) October 13, 2023

Mokokchung Times