The Arunachal Pradesh unit of Congress has demanded the resignation of the State’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Ojing Tasing, for allegedly threatening to stop the flow of developmental funds to the panchayat constituencies where Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates lose.
The simultaneous panchayat and municipal elections in the State will be held on December 15. The BJP has won 58 of the State’s 245 zila parishad seats and four of the 20 wards in the Itanagar Municipal Corporation uncontested.
Mr. Tasing faced criticism after he was heard saying in a video that government schemes would stop reaching the panchayat segments where BJP candidates are not elected. “I don’t believe in beating around the bush. The panchayat segments where the BJP candidates lose will not get any scheme. As the Panchayati Raj Minister, I mean what I say,” he purportedly said while campaigning for the party’s zila parishad candidate in Roing.
The Minister did not respond to any call or message.
State BJP’s view
The State BJP leaders distanced themselves from Mr. Tasing’s alleged comment. “Personal opinions cannot be interpreted as the party’s official policy,” a senior BJP leader said, declining to be quoted.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the Minister’s “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional” comment. “Such a statement is also an insult to the people of the State, as government funds belong to the people, not to any political party,” it said.
“Threatening voters with denial of development if they do not vote for the BJP is a direct attack on democracy, federalism, and the rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution of India,” Congress said, asking Chief Minister Pema Khandu to drop Mr. Tasing from the council of ministers.
The Congress demanded a public apology from Mr. Tasing. It also petitioned the Election Commission of India (EC) for punitive action against him for misusing power and attempting to influence voters through fear.
Published – December 05, 2025 08:12 pm IST
