BJP, CM accused to inciting violence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 17 2022:
AICC election observer Jairam Ramesh has charged the BJP and the chief minister of inciting poll related violence against Congress.
Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhawan here on Thursday, Jairam Ramesh decried several acts of violence perpetrated against Congress candidate in Saikul (ST) AC Lhingkim Haokip.
It is believed that the poll-related attacks on Congress candidates are planned by BJP and the chief minister, he opined while adding that such attacks were carried out as BJP leaders now realise that the party cannot retain power after the forthcoming elections and the people do not trust the BJP led government anymore.
Observing that the present situation in the state has become volatile, Jairam Ramesh said that BJP is disrupting peace but Congress always wants to ensure free and fair conduct of election.
As such, a memorandum regarding the violent acts committed by the BJP was submitted to ECI, he informed.
Violence and intimidations even to woman candidate signified that the law and order situation in the state has totally collapsed, Ramesh contended.
AICC Manipur in-charge Bhakta Charan Das informed that a memorandum in connection with violence committed against Congress candidates was submitted to CEO Manipur.
The memorandum demanded declaration of all constituencies where poll violence are happening repeatedly, especially Heirok, Mayang Imphal and Ukhrul assembly constituencies as hypersensitive, extension of judicial custody of all accused till end of the election, investigation and taking actions against miscreants indulging in criminal intimidation of disrupting flag-hoisting functions of Congress candidates especially in Heingang, Kangpokpi and Khundrakpam assembly constituencies and replacement of state police with para-military force and CRPF.
Stating that such violent acts were done by BJP as they know that they will lose the elections, he condemned such dictatorial acts and denounced them as cowardice.
Meanwhile, Saikul AC candidate Lhingkim Haokip said that miscreants including CM's OSD pelted stones and even beat up workers during her flag hoisting ceremony at her Mantripukhri residence.
While informing that her daughter was injured in the incident, she said that electors should be allowed to cast their votes according to their wishes in a democratic election.
Such act of intimidation which caused conflict among candidates and workers is strongly condemned, she said.