Cong points finger at BJP for intimidation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 26 2022:
Former Chief Minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi has claimed that the BJP has been employing the SoO group Kuki National Organisation (KNO) to intimidate the voters in Manipur.
The opposition Congress party has complained to the Election Commission about a purported statement of support by a militant group, the Kuki National Organisation, in favour of the ruling BJP, calling it a "direct and clear threat to the conduct of free and fair elections" in Manipur.
A memorandum submitted to the Election Commission and State Chief Election Officer and signed by former Union Ministers Jairam Ramesh and Salman Khurshid as well as former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh claimed the statement by the Kuki outfit was an attempt to intimidate voters and was issued with the "full knowledge and connivance" of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
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The State will go to poll on February 28 and March 5 .
Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan today, the former Chief Minister continued that the BJP is blatantly using underground organisation and anti-National elements so that the party could stay in power after the Assembly election.
Further stating that BJP is using the SoO group by using money and muscle power and thereby violates the model code of conduct, the former Chief Minister claimed that the saffron party instigated the group to declare its support to the party candidates, especially in Kuki dominated areas.
The BJP is using muscle power to get support from the KNO so that the party can retain power, Ibobi claimed and added that the conduct of the saffron party undermines the model code of conduct and the Constitution of India.
He said that the Congress will file a complaint to the Election Commission and CEO, Manipur pertaining to the issue shortly, Manipur soon.
Saying that the BJP is using the Kuki militants as their cheap publicity could no longer influence the electors, Ibobi asked what happened to the Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN-IM.
What is the point of entering into agreement if the Government could not implement it, Ibobi asked and alleged that the BJP has a habit of employing underground outfits at the time of election and the same mar the democratic ethos of the country.
Continuing that a team of political parties active in Manipur rushed to Delhi to implement ILPS to protect the indigenous people of Manipur, Ibobi contended that the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur, however, is inefficient.
What would be the position of Manipur if the BJP led Governments in both the Centre and the State retain power, Ibobi asked and urged the people to support the Congress party in the ensuing election so as to save democracy.
Further asking what actual benefits have the Go to Hills and Go to Village campaign given to the people other than indulging in works which can be done by the local bodies, Ibobi stated that the BJP is only good at giving empty assurances.
"Today, Manipur is also one of the worst performing State in the implementation of MGNREGS," he claimed.