While agricultural initiatives are welcome, especially those that promote economic development, the idea of transforming the Northeast into a saffron hub is problematic, says Rajesh Kumar Sethi
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Congress leader, Nagaland, and the national coordinator, AICC minority department, incharge of Manipur, and former state chairman, PCC, minority department, Rajesh Kumar Sethi, on Sunday has strongly refuted the statement made by union minister Jitendra Singh regarding the Northeast becoming India’s next “Saffron Hub”.
This statement is not only misleading but also reflects the BJP’s attempt to impose a political agenda on a region that is rich in diverse cultures, traditions, and indigenous identities.
While agricultural initiatives are welcome, especially those that promote economic development, the idea of transforming the Northeast into a saffron hub is problematic, Sethi said.
He mentioned that the BJP’s focus on such projects was merely political rhetoric, designed to push an ideological narrative rather than address the real challenges faced by the people of the Northeast while adding that the Northeast is not just about cultivation or crops—it is about respecting the unique identities of its communities, empowering indigenous populations, and fostering sustainable development that caters to the region’s cultural and economic needs.
By attempting to reduce the region to a saffron-based political slogan, the BJP is undermining the rich diversity that has made the Northeast a vital part of India’s cultural fabric.
“Instead of making grandiose claims, the BJP government should focus on real development—such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the people of the Northeast. The government should prioritize the voices of the indigenous people, strengthen regional autonomy, and ensure that development projects are inclusive and sustainable”, he said. He asserted that the congress remains committed to a vision of unity, progress, and respect for the distinct identity of every region, especially the Northeast, and would continue to fight for the rights of its people, their culture, and their land, without being swayed by political narratives.
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, the National Coordinator, AICC Minority Department (In-charge of Manipur), Rajesh Kumar Sethi, has strongly condemned the Assam government’s misuse of state agencies and violation of democratic values.
He accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government of consistently suppressing the voice of the democratic opposition and using police and investigative agencies to crush dissent. He cited the recent unjust arrest of Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh as the latest example, calling it clear evidence that Assam is not under the rule of law but under an oppressive regime of power.