The proposal by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to clean church compounds in Nagaland as part of marking the death anniversary of Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee has been met with rejection by various church bodies in the Christian-majority state.
Imkong L Imchen, a BJP legislator and advisor in the Neiphiu Rio-led Peoples' Democratic Alliance (PDA) government, expressed his own party's proposal as "unwarranted", reflecting the divergence within the BJP itself.
Nagaland BJP chief Benjamin Yepthomi had directed party functionaries to conduct various programs, including tree plantation on May 4 and cleanliness drives in church compounds on May 11, to commemorate Mookerjee's death anniversary, slated for June 23.
However, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and other church associations issued statements declining the BJP's offer. The NBCC, in particular, politely declined the gesture, citing concerns over the perceived persecution of Christians under the BJP government.
In response, Imchen criticised the BJP's decision, stating that political parties should refrain from making such unilateral decisions.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Thomas Magh clarified that the proposal was not intended as an imposition but rather as a call to undertake social work in all places of worship.
Magh emphasised that the term "church" in the circular was a misnomer and should have been "places of worship", emphasising the party's inclusive approach towards all religions.
He reiterated the BJP's commitment to service and humanitarian values, stressing that such activities were part of the party's annual calendar events aimed at fostering a culture of service among party members.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance between religious sensitivities and political outreach in Nagaland, where Christianity holds significant cultural and social influence.
The rejection of the BJP's proposal reflects the deep-seated apprehensions within the Christian community regarding the intentions behind such initiatives.
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