Biren hardsells Lukhoi's Ministerial berth
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2020:
Chief Minister N Biren has categorically stated that it is up to the people of Wangoi Assembly segment whether Oinam Lukhoi should remain a Minister till the end of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly or not.
Speaking at an election rally held at Paobitek under Wangoi AC today, Biren claimed that O Lukhoi and Abdul Nasir resigned from the State Assembly as well as the Congress party to save the incumbent Government and thwart off any challenge to its leadership.
There were differences among the partners of the coalition Government and its stability was threatened sometime back but eight Congress MLAs took bold steps and saved the Government.
Acknowledging the immense sacrifice made by the ex-MLAs in ensuring victory of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha election and the Government's triumph during a show of strength on the floor of the State Assembly, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all the MLAs who had resigned from both the State Assembly and Congress party.
Appealing to the people of Wangoi AC to elect men like Oinam Lukhoi who have strong sense of sacrifice, Biren claimed that he would make Manipur a 'golden land' within 10 years if there are 34/35 representatives who have strong sense of sacrifice like Lukhoi.
Benevolent and selfless representatives are a must for clean and good governance, Biren said.
He then appealed to the gathering to elect the most competent candidate instead of letting their choices influenced by money and other material offers.
People who can give up their membership of Manipur Legislative Assembly in order to save the Government and 'party leaders' are very rare.
O Lukhoi has been allotted Ministerial berth because he deserved it for his courage to resign from the State Assembly, Biren said.
After the BJP-led coalition Government was formed in March 2017, there have been repeated attempts to topple the Government but without success.
The Government will never go against the will and aspiration of the masses but it would make all efforts to ensure that all the communities live together in peace and harmony, said the Chief Minister.
Education Minister S Rajen said that O Lukhoi resigned from the State Assembly only to strengthen BJP.
He has been allotted BJP ticket for the by-election so as to raise the number of BJP MLAs.
People need not vote for the NPP candidate as it not clear how long the party will survive, Rajen said.
O Lukhoi said that he resigned from Congress party to ensure that the State can march ahead on the path of development under a stable Government.
The election rally was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA N Indrajit and Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Chairman S Achouba.