The Crossbill News Desk
A political controversy has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh after a video surfaced showing state minister Ojing Tasing declaring during a campaign event that panchayat segments not voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party would be denied government schemes.
The remarks, made on December 3 while canvassing in Lower Dibang Valley district, have triggered accusations of coercion and violations of election rules.
In the widely circulated clip, Tasing — who holds the panchayat and rural development portfolio — is heard telling voters, “Government schemes will not go to those panchayat segments where the BJP is defeated…I do what I say.”
He is also seen repeating his stance, saying, “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.”
Tasing was campaigning for the party’s zila parishad nominee in Roing when he made the comments.
The video has sparked a sharp confrontation between the Congress and the ruling BJP ahead of local body elections scheduled for December 15, 2025. The BJP has already secured 58 of the 245 zila parishad seats and four of the 20 Itanagar Municipal Corporation wards uncontested.
Calling the comments “blatant and unlawful,” the Congress lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission, alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with preventing undue influence.
“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,” the party said, demanding that Chief Minister Pema Khandu remove Tasing from the cabinet.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also sought an apology and Tasing’s resignation, stating that the minister’s remarks were “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic” and that “government funds belong to the people, not to any political party.”
State Election Commission Secretary Taru Talo said he has sought a report from the district deputy commissioner regarding the incident. Tasing has not publicly responded so far.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s state leadership has attempted to contain the fallout, distancing itself from the minister’s comments and asserting that his statements reflected his “personal opinion,” not the party’s official stance.
The remarks, made on December 3 while canvassing in Lower Dibang Valley district, have triggered accusations of coercion and violations of election rules.
In the widely circulated clip, Tasing — who holds the panchayat and rural development portfolio — is heard telling voters, “Government schemes will not go to those panchayat segments where the BJP is defeated…I do what I say.”
He is also seen repeating his stance, saying, “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.”
Tasing was campaigning for the party’s zila parishad nominee in Roing when he made the comments.
The video has sparked a sharp confrontation between the Congress and the ruling BJP ahead of local body elections scheduled for December 15, 2025. The BJP has already secured 58 of the 245 zila parishad seats and four of the 20 Itanagar Municipal Corporation wards uncontested.
Calling the comments “blatant and unlawful,” the Congress lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission, alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with preventing undue influence.
“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,” the party said, demanding that Chief Minister Pema Khandu remove Tasing from the cabinet.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also sought an apology and Tasing’s resignation, stating that the minister’s remarks were “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic” and that “government funds belong to the people, not to any political party.”
State Election Commission Secretary Taru Talo said he has sought a report from the district deputy commissioner regarding the incident. Tasing has not publicly responded so far.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s state leadership has attempted to contain the fallout, distancing itself from the minister’s comments and asserting that his statements reflected his “personal opinion,” not the party’s official stance.
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