Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, January 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, on Thursday held a press conference to brief the media on issues discussed during the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and to highlight the memorandum submitted to him outlining key demands related to the Islands.
Addressing the media, party leaders said the Home Minister interacted directly with BJP workers at the party office, where a detailed memorandum highlighting developmental challenges, infrastructure gaps, and public grievances of the Islands was presented. According to the BJP, the Home Minister listened attentively to the concerns and subsequently directed that the matter be taken up with the Cabinet Secretary, following which a meeting was held to deliberate on the issues.
Addressing the gathering, the BJP State President, Mr. Anil Kumar Tiwari said that during his six-month tenure, several longstanding problems—particularly related to power supply—had been addressed. He stated that areas such as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang, Kadamtala, and parts of South Andaman, which earlier faced power cuts of 12 to 14 hours, have now witnessed significant improvement, with surplus power in some regions.
Highlighting water scarcity as another major concern, Mr. Tiwari explained that the Dhanikhari Dam, built in 1972 for a much smaller population, now caters to nearly two lakh people, including tourists. He said technical assessments indicate that nearly 40 percent of the dam has silted up and proposed the construction of an additional check dam to improve water storage, a suggestion that was placed before the Home Minister.
Mr. Tiwari further informed that a detailed 11-point memorandum was discussed with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, including a Joint Secretary-level officer, who reportedly appreciated the clarity and feasibility of the proposals and assured that action would begin within a month.
Responding to questions on the Great Nicobar Project, BJP leaders defended the project, stating that it was originally conceptualised during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and that environmental safeguards, compensatory afforestation, and tribal welfare measures have been factored into the planning. They asserted that development and environmental protection must progress together, while also keeping national security and economic interests in mind.
On the condition of NH-4, the BJP reiterated its recommendation to transfer road works back to APWD from NHIDCL, citing local expertise and weather conditions. Party leaders acknowledged implementation challenges and maintained that corrective steps were being taken.
The BJP also emphasised the role of the media as a vital pillar of democracy and appealed for continued constructive engagement in highlighting public issues. The press conference concluded with an announcement that another major briefing would be held on January 10 during the visit of a national-level BJP leader.
The BJP leaders also responded to queries regarding the demand for 100 per cent job reservation for Islanders. They stated that the issue has been consistently raised by the BJP at various forums and conveyed to the Union Government. They clarified that while employment opportunities for local youth remain a priority, such decisions involve constitutional provisions and legal scrutiny. The party assured that efforts are ongoing to ensure maximum possible preference for Islanders in jobs related to infrastructure projects, administration, and upcoming development initiatives, while staying within the framework of the law.
Mr. SP Elango, State Media Convener for the BJP A&N State Unit and Dr. T.K. Jijith Rekh is the Chief Spokesperson of BJP A&N State Unit were also present during the press conference.
