Ibobi unfazed by BJP's thumping triumph
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 17 2014 : The BJP-led NDA Government which would be formed at the Centre shortly can neither harm the Congress Government of Manipur nor could it forfeit the State's rights and entitlements.

This was stated by Chief Minister O Ibobi at a reception function specially organised in honour of the victorious Congress candidates Dr Th Meinya and Thangso Baite.

Just because NDA has come to power at the Centre, people of the State need not harbour unnecessary misgivings and qualms.

A federal structure determines the Centre-State relationship and plan size of each State is fixed by the Planning Commission based on population and resources.

With all the Northeastern States listed as special category States, SPA fund is distributed equitably to all the States.

Manipur's due share cannot be forfeited just because NDA has come to power, said Ibobi who will leave for New Delhi tomorrow to attend the CWC meeting scheduled on May 19 .

CM, DyCM with Congress MPs Thangso Baite and Dr Th Meinya attend a reception function

There are always ups and downs in politics.

When a particular party remains in power for a prolonged period, anti-incumbency factor is bound to come into the picture.

Advising all Cabinet Ministers to work on war footing so as to complete all the projects being implemented by their respective departments within a specific time frame, the Chief Minister warned that failure to translate into action what they promised to people at the time of elections would erode people's faith in Congress party.

In spite of the difficulties caused by frequent bandhs/blockades, short working season and inability to submit utilization certificates in time, the Central Government would not have the audacity to deduct the State's fund allocations if the Ministers use the sanctioned amounts properly and submit utilization certificates in time.

He further advised his Council of Ministers to work vigorously by keeping their eyes on specific goals.

Ibobi also conveyed gratitude to all the people, party workers, party president, Ministers and MLAs for re-electing both the Congress candidates.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam claimed that the victory of the Congress candidates is victory for the people of Manipur.

No political force could influence voters of Manipur because of their high awareness level and this was reflected in the election result.

Stating that Congress party is thankful to the people of Manipur for reposing their faith on the party's development programmes and its dedication to the State's territorial integrity and lasting peace, Gaikhangam pledged that they would never betray the people's trust.

Regardless of whether there is a change at the Centre or not, there is still a stable Government in the State.

If any political party should split, there should be consensus between the party and its legislature wing according to the 10th Schedule, Gaikhangam said while ruling out any possibility of Congress party splitting into two.

Notwithstanding all the propaganda of opposition party, the Congress candidate in Inner Manipur P/C scored a landslide victory even though the votes secured by the party candidate in Outer Manipur P/C was less than expected.

This was because of large scale poll rigging and booth capturing by NSCN-IM candidates.

If the polling was free and fair, the margin could have been over two lakhs.

People need to understand how the NPF secured so much votes.

Saying that NPF's sole agenda is Naga unification at the cost of Manipur's territorial integrity, Gaikhangam called upon all the people of Manipur not to vote for NPF in future.

Speaking at the function, Dr Meinya and Thangso conveyed gratitude to the people of Manipur, the Chief Minister, the party president, Ministers, MLAs and workers for re-electing them.

They pledged to plug in all communication gaps in order to address public grievances accumulated during their previous terms.