Some leaders envious of Govt feats: CM
Don't elect candidates who only fill their belly in Imphal for 5 yrs: Biren to the hills
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 30 2021: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has appealed to the people of hill districts to only elect representatives after careful consideration so as to avoid electing candidates who, after winning the elections, are likely to settle in Imphal for 5 years to accumulate both personal property and wealth, while doing nothing for the people who elected them.

The CM made the statement during a one-day political conference organised by BJP Nungba Mandal at Noney District Headquarters on Tuesday.

The conference was also attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh president Adhikarimayum Sharda, Works minister Th Biswajit, Education minister S Rajen, Tribal Affairs and Hills minister Vungzagin Valte, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Nungba AC intending BJP candidate and BJP Manipur Pradesh executive member Gaidon Kamei and other former and current office bearers of BJP.

Biren went on to say that the BJP-led coalition government has brought equal development in the hills and the valley in the last 4 years, which is remarkable compared to the almost-absent developmental changes for over the last 40-50 years during the time of previous state governments.

Urging the people of the hills not to vote for candidates who are likely to move to Imphal after the polls and stay there for the next 5 years accumulating personal wealth and property; the CM appealed to all concerned only to elect those who will stay close with the people and visit each village to enquire about their conditions.

Biren then remarked that some leaders are getting panic attack over the success and delivery of various schemes including health cards, distribution of rice, Go to Hills, Go to Village, etc., as these have brought the government and the people closer.

Regarding Nungba AC, the CM informed that around 8840 AB-PMJAY and 1144 CMHT cards have been distributed, while hospitals, trauma centre, blood bank, oxygen plant, transit accommodation and other structures constructed.

In addition, the Tamenglong Water Supply project is underway and the road expansion project from Tousemal to Naga-land is being carried out, with the support of the villages, who have refused to accept compensation.

Stressing the need for a topographical need-based budget, Biren observed that development projects in hill districts cost ten times of what it cost in the valley areas.

As such, the DoNER Ministry set up the Hill Area Development Programme, under which Rs 90 crore was released as extra budget for Tamenglong district, meant to be utilised for various development projects in the district.

On the matter of BJP candidates for the upcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, the CM informed that the list of candidates is to be announced by the parliamentary board of BJP.

For now, there is no restriction on anyone wanting to join the party.

There is no need for indulging in low-level politics, he contended, while emphasising the need for helping those who were part of organising bandh/blockade in the past, to gradually get integrated into the mainstream.

Prior to the commencement of the political conference, CM Biren laid the foundation stone for a Pre-fabricated Field Hospital in Longmai Part-I, estimated to cost around Rs 3.5 crore.

As part of the programme, various cultural performances were also presented, which was followed by distribution go AB-PMJAY and CMHT cards.

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