Gaikhangam lands punches on BJP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2014: Reminding that it was during the tenure of BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre that Manipur was gripped with anger and violent protests during which many precious lives were lost, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said it would be futile for BJP leaders to expect that Manipuris will forget such horrendous events so soon.

Speaking as the chief guest at a one day political convention held today at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, Gaikhangam dismissed frequent claims by both BJP national and State unit leaders that they will protect the interest and aspiration of the people of Manipur as mere propaganda aimed at covering up NDA's grave mistake of declaring ceasefire (with NSCN-IM) without territorial limit.

Gaikhangam addressing the political convention

Stating that cancellation of visit of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Manipur inspite of the BJP leader addressing a public meeting in Nagaland State capital Kohima clearly suggest that BJP is not concerned with the suffering of the people of Manipur, he cautioned the people not to fall prey to and be taken in by the divisive politics of BJP.

Asserting that the congress party will never compromise with the territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur, the Deputy CM also said as part of the Congress Government's relentless endeavour to ensure transparency in governance the Lok Ayukta Bill would be tabled in the forthcoming assembly session for discussion and implementation.

Referring to the election of the 42 Congress legislators in the last assembly election, he also sarcastically remarked that after the next State election there might be no opposition member in the assembly.

Wryly thanking the opposition political parties for giving ceaseless publicity to the Congress, Gaikhangam said if the present trend of opposition leaders speaking out against the Congress organisation continues the Congress might be constrained to consider purpose of having a publicity department in the organisation.

stating that Congress party is not only a political organisation but an entity for joining the people's movement, he also contended that contrary to levelling unfounded charges against the Congress party there are many political figures who have been trying to return to the Congress fold.

Various flagship programmes launched and implemented by the Congress-led UPA Government is an indication that the Congress party is committed to expeditiously wipe out socio-economic issues besieging the masses, maintained Gaikhangam.

Among others, Works Minister Dr Kh ratankumar, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC MLA RK Anand, AC's Block Congress Committee president S Chaoba Singh and Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress president RK Ranisana Devi also addressed the convention organised by Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Block Congress Committee.