In keeping with its electoral promise, the (PDA) govern-ment, of which BJP is a major partner, has announced the introduction of a new progra-mme called ‘Holy Land tours and pilgrimages.’ But the Church is not impressed.

Presenting the maiden budget of the new dispensation, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced that detailed guidelines will be set up to enable citizens to visit the ‘Holy Land.’ Once such guidelines are in place, the government will part-sponsor the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

In the run up to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, religion had for the first time emerged as a major electoral plank. BJP faced flak from church leaders who cautioned people against what they perceived as the party’s Hindutva agenda. To counter the ‘anti-Christian’ tag and woo voters in the Christian dominated state, the saffron party promised trips to Jerusalem if it was voted to power. In it’s manifesto, the BJP had promised to ‘set up senior citizen board which will annually select around 50 members through lucky draw for a free trip to Holy Land of Jerusalem.’ Before BJP, the Congress in its manifesto had assured to set up a board ‘to facilitate minorities to visit Holy Land at a subsidised cost.’