Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04:
The possibility of BJP going along with regional party MPP in the Parliament election is being looked into by the National leaders of the party.
However, they would not commit themselves to anything which is against the interest of Manipur and the BJP State unit, National spokesperson of BJP and Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy has stated.
Addressing a press conference at the office of the BJP State Unit at Nityapat Chuthek here, today, Rajiv Pratap, who arrived at Imphal yesterday on his maiden visit to the State, informed that matters related to upcoming Parliament election, law and order situation in the State, condition of economy and development and other related issues were discussed during the meeting with MPP leaders today.
He explained that the main purpose of his visit to Manipur is to scout for prospective candidates of the party to contest in the upcoming Parliament election in view of the high prospect of NDA leader LK Advani becoming ,'he next Prime Minister of the country.
Nonetheless, he disclosed that the party leaders at the Centre have been closely watching the political situation of Manipur and the possibility of going along with MPP in the Parliament election.
But care should be taken that such a move does not affect the interest of the State BJP unit, he added.
When asked whether this would imply confirmation of an alliance between BJP and MPP, he only stated it is only a matter of freedom of press, without elaborating on the point.
While informing that the Central Election Committee of the party has been monitoring prospective candidates, the National spokesperson said that in the upcoming Parliament election BJP would campaign giving special attention rise in the prices of essential commodities, terrorism and the political activities of the Congress-led UPA Government.
Commenting on the situation in Manipur, Rajiv Pratap said that the law and order situation has deteriorated so much creating not only an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty but also posing threat to the lives and properties of the people.
Repeated threats on the lives of Ministers .and MLAs including 4he Chief Minister testify the failure of the Government to maintain law and order, he charged, adding that it can also be safely assumed that the existing Government has collapsed in the light of rampant corruption, unemployment problem and lack of development.
Terming omission of Manipuri weightlifter Laishram Monika from Beijing Olympic Games as an injustice of the UPA government and its sports ministry, Rajiv Pratap said BJP is seriously concerned about the issue.