Nagaland polls: BJP slams Odisha Governor for canvassing for Congress

GUWAHATI: BJP today came down heavily on Odisha Governor Dr SC Jamir for allegedly canvassing for a Congress candidate in poll-bound Nagaland.

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP ally, had earlier accused Jamir of involvement in the election process.

Jamir is a former chief minister of Nagaland. Apart from Odisha, he also served as Governor of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa.


A Governor, after taking oath, is not supposed to indulge in any political activity and must remain non-partisan while discharging his/her duties, BJP said in a statement.

BJP issued an appeal to President Ram Nath Kovind to take action against Jamir for committing "constitutional impropriety and dereliction of duties".

"Governor Jamir has no business involving himself in the electioneering process in Mokokchung district. Why is he using the constitutional post of governor to serve his interests? Isn’t he supposed to be neutral?" BJP asked in its statement.

If Jamir is so keen to enter Nagaland politics again, he should resign immediately, the BJP said.

"Or is Jamir simply following the diktats of the Congress high command, famed for indulging in cheap and dirty politics?" asked BJP.