Cong eyes capturing most ADC seats at least in 4 districts
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 03 2015 : Deputy Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Gaikhangam on Sunday exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in at least four out of the five districts in the ensuing Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections scheduled for June 1 .

Gaikhangam was speaking to select editors of dailies and news media on Sunday during an interaction.

While answering to a bevy of questions related to the forthcoming ADC elections and the perceived threat faced by Congress candidates as had been in the last polls, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Congress party's performance in Sadar Hills, Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong is expected to be good.

He however opined that in Ukhrul and Senapati districts, it is difficult to make a pre-poll assessment.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam

While talking about his party's stand vis-�-vis the ongoing political negotiation between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, Gaikhangam asserted that the Congress has always been consistent on its stand with reference to the "territorial integrity" of Manipur and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in double talk.

He pointed out that the BJP promises something to the people of the valley and speaks some other language in the hills.

Unlike the BJP, the Congress has already stated that it will not compromise with Manipur's territorial integration.

Gaikhangam also said that if armed groups were willing to give up violence, Congress Party legislators will not shy away from relinquishing office so as to pave the way for their entry into the mainstream politics.

While criticising the BJP, he minced no words in accusing the BJP of promising development of the Northeast while it was actually snapping funds meant for developing key sectors like tourism in the region.

He said that under the Look East Policy, there were plans in store to develop the sector with funds released from the Centre, however the Union Budget 2015 had nothing to offer to this key sector in the Northeast.

Tinged with sarcasm, the Deputy Chief Minister said Narendra Modi led Government's idea of Act East Policy was actually adopting "acts' of withdrawing the special status accorded to the States in the Northeast region including Manipur.

Dy CM's phone line opened for public complaints.

Perhaps, the first time in the history of the State, a Deputy Chief Minister's mobile phone number (+91 9436021714) has been made available to the public for filing complaints against "wrong doings" by the police personnel.

Commenting on certain irresponsible behaviour of the policemen and those in uniform as observed by the general public, the Deputy Chief Minister who is also in-charge of home said the public could contact him or approach police higher ups and file their complaints.

He said anyone could contact him if he or she finds any policemen indulging in acts not prescribed by law.