In a politically charged atmosphere, the recent Diya Vitaran Abhiyan Samaroh in Arunachal Pradesh brought together the elements of religious fervor, political discourse, and a commitment to communal harmony. The event, organized by former MLA Kipa Babu through the NGO Sadhbaav Arunachal, aimed to distribute 10800 diyas ahead of the Pran Pratishtha, the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The event, however, took an unexpected turn as BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ during the diya distribution, coinciding with the visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Tadar Niglar, a prominent BJP leader, seized the opportunity to criticize Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra, labeling it as ‘Anyay Yatra’ and accusing him of creating confusion among citizens.
Niglar highlighted the progress made in Arunachal Pradesh during the nine-year BJP regime, pointing to developments in infrastructure, including airports, railways, highways, and the establishment of a medical college. Expressing discontent with the Congress party, Niglar alleged neglect of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast during its 70-year rule.
“While citizens are reaping the benefits of development, Rahul Gandhi is misleading them with the term ‘Nyaya’ when justice is already being served,” remarked Niglar, emphasizing that the Nyay Yatra was causing confusion among innocent citizens.
Former MLA Kipa Babu, the force behind the Diya Vitaran Abhiyan Samaroh, sought to foster communal harmony among all citizens. Babu, who himself was a Karsewak from the Northeast during the 1992 Ayodhya clashes, recounted the violent events that unfolded, leading to massive bloodshed. He, along with others, faced imprisonment in Uttar Pradesh jails as a consequence of those clashes.
The initiative not only aimed to celebrate the upcoming Pran Pratishtha but also to heal the wounds of the past, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace. Kipa Babu’s involvement, given his firsthand experience during the Ayodhya clashes, added a personal touch to the event, reflecting a commitment to bridging religious and political divides.
The Diya Vitaran Abhiyan Samaroh serves as a unique example of the intersection between religion and politics, with the distribution of diyas acting as a symbol of light, hope, and communal togetherness. Despite the political undertones, the initiative’s core mission of fostering harmony resonates with Kipa Babu’s vision, transcending the immediate political discourse.
As the diyas illuminate the Itanagar Capital Region on the eve of Pran Pratishtha, the event stands as a testament to the complexity of India’s political landscape, where religious celebrations and political debates often converge, shaping the narrative of the nation.
