Battle for Arunachal West LS seat: Will speak against social, economic and political injustice, affirms Nabam Tuki

The battle for the Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat will indeed be something to really watch out for as it is seen to be one of the high profile contest in the electoral history of the state.

Union Minister and 3-time MP Kiren Rijiju is facing a direct contest from former Arunachal CM and sitting MLA from Sagalee legislative assembly constituency Nabam Tuki of the Congress.

Although seemingly the BJP has an advantage considering the present political landscape, Tuki is determined to achieve his goal despite challenges.

The Congress MP candidate was seen engaged in a hectic campaign trail at Bomdila in West Kameng district where he tried to reach out to every single voter.

Tuki sounded quite confident about his prospects in the elections and hopes that people will choose him for a change.

Briefing newspersons on the sidelines of his campaign trail, Nabam Tuki said, “Our campaigning is underway in full swing. I have received good response in West Kameng. I am trying to win the hearts of the people. They (people) are also seeking change and want to see a new leader. Whatever people are hoping, I am moving ahead keeping that in my mind. My appeal to the people is that help us to win by supporting us.”

Speaking about his priorities as well as promises, Tuki stated, “There is not much time left for the elections. I will try to fulfill your hopes and aspirations in the coming 5 years, if I get elected as an MP. I will make all efforts to make your voices heard in Delhi. Our primary focus is health, education and infrastructure development as well generating employment for the unemployed youths. I will raise my voice against the prevailing social injustice, economic injustice and political injustice, we will together fight this battle.”

Not only this, Tuki maintained that the Congress will take up issues like rolling back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and setting up of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) if the I.N.D.I. alliance comes to power.

“With the NPS coming into effect, the government employess have lost security (job security). Their future is not safe. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) is almost equal to “No Pension Scheme”. There are protests going on against this, but the government is not responding. However, we have promised the employees to roll back the Old Pension Scheme.

Another issue is that the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is yet to be constituted by the Centre. Every government employee demands that the 8th CPC be set up as early as possible. If it is not set up now than there will be problem for the employees because their salaries would not enhance, and even if it happens than it may happen in a piece meal manner. When the I.N.D.I. alliance comes to power we will implement the 8th CPC,” Tuki further said.

Nabam Tuki is likely to face a tough fight as he is pitted against Union Minister of Earth Sciences and 3-time BJP MP from Arunachal West seat, incumbent MP Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP) candidate Tumke Bagra and independent candidates–Ruhi Tagung, Tania June, Bimpak Siga and Bida Taku.