What has NDA Govt achieved, asks CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2015 :
Asking if the BJP-led NDA Government has done anything concrete or substantial for the welfare of people during the past one year since it came to power, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi categorically stated that what the NDA Government has been doing is changing the names of schemes and projects launched by the Congress-led UPA Government.
An election rally cum commemorative function of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar was held today at Tuibong Peace Ground, Churachandpur.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi asserted that BJP is busy renaming schemes and projects launched by the UPA Government.
Even after one year in office, the NDA Government is still unable to come up with a new welfare scheme.
Reacting to some 'novice' Central Ministers who promised football grounds during election rallies at Churachandpur in case people vote for BJP, Ibobi asked if their statements imply there would be no football ground if people vote for other parties.
The State Government is currently developing a sports complex at Churachandpur.
The BJP Ministers' promise to provide annual funds to ADCs directly in case BJP is elected to power is rather bewildering, said the Chief Minister.
It is only institutions like RIMS, CAU and Manipur University where the Central Government sanctions funds directly.
Ibobi then questioned as to why the NDA Government was not sanctioning funds to ADCs directly even after one year in office.
Such promises were aimed at fooling the public and BJP which was taking the electorate for a ride should be taught a befitting lesson, Ibobi asserted.
Stating that Churachandpur is always a home turf for Congress, Ibobi maintained that the Congress candidates of Churachandpur would take a very significant role in forming ADCs if they are elected.
Congress was never a power hungry party but it was crucial to elect capable and sincere candidates as ADCs are very important institutions for bringing development at the grassroots level.
Again reacting to one Union Minister who reportedly stated that funds sanctioned for development of hill districts never reached the intended destinations, the Chief Minister remarked that it would be quite enlightening if the Union Minister gave details such as the time when the fund was sanctioned, the exact amount and the particular scheme/work for which the fund was sanctioned.
There was no room for diversion of funds earmarked for taking up development projects in the hill districts.
BJP Ministers were making blind allegations for the sake of propaganda, Ibobi asserted.
He then appealed to all the leaders of Churachandpur to extend their cooperation in strengthening Congress party in the State in order to bring equitable development in the State and safeguard its integrity.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam asked all the people to be always wary of BJP which according to him is communal in spirit and principle.
Soon people of Manipur and civil organisations would be observing June 18 anniversary but the date would always be ominous for BJP.
It was because of BJP that the Manipur Legislative Assembly and many other Government offices were burnt.
God would not favour those Christians who are contesting the election on BJP tickets because it was the BJP-led NDA Government which decided to observe Good Governance Day of December 25 (Christmas Day), added the Deputy Chief Minister.
Hacking a flag post of a Congress candidate at Khoupum by a UG group last night would not be able to frighten voters.
They would gain nothing from such acts of violence.
Congress is a party of the masses and it would remain forever so.
There was substantial development in both the hills and valley during the last 13 years of Congress rule because there was harmony in the State, Gaikhangam claimed.
No force can break the bond of faith and love shared between Congress party and the masses, he added.
MP Thangso Baite, MP Dr Th Meinya, Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs T Mangibabu, GS Haopu, Vungzagin Valte, S Bira, Manga Vaiphei, TN Haokip, M Prithiviraj, Mahila Congress president RK Ranisana and many Congress leaders were also present at the function.