No votes from Nicobar, now your days will be bad, says Andaman and Nicobar BJP MP

In the video, which surfaced on June 5, a day after the Lok Sabha poll results but came to the fore only recently Ray is addressing a public gathering in the union territory.

“We will get people’s work done. But those who did not vote for us, must think …Nicobar Islands did not give me any votes. Car Nicobar, think about what is going to happen to you now,” said Ray.

“In the name of Nicobar, you will take money, drink alcohol, but not give votes. Stay alert, stay alert, stay alert. Now, your days are bad… you will not make a fool of A&N islands anymore. Your days will not be good anymore,” he said.

When contacted for a reaction, Ray disconnected the phone after hearing The Indian Express’s questions. When contacted again, he repeatedly disconnected the phone without answering.

In a video – recorded on June 5, a day after the Lok Sabha poll results, but that came to the fore only recently – BJP MP Bishnu Pada Ray is addressing a public gathering in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' union territory, threatening voters. @DeeptimanTY reports… pic.twitter.com/n0YfkvWC02

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) June 20, 2024

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However, later he sent a press note in connection with the incident. The note suggested that following the incident the Nicobarese elders headed by chief tribal captain of Car Nicobar met him at Port Blair and congratulated him on winning the polls.

“They also apprised him of the hurt and concern across a cross section of the community due to certain developments. The Hon’ble MP elect spoke about deep affection for the people of Nicobar and the works he had undertaken for the community during his past tenures. He also asked the elders to forget about the past and assured them that he will work with even more commitment to resolve issues of the tribal community as and when needed,” the note said.

The press statement said the MP had accepted the invitation of the chief captain to visit Nicobar and hoped to serve the people to the maximum extent possible during his tenure. “(He) …requested the tribal elders to be pillars of strength to achieve success in all fields,” the note said.