Cong respects people's mandate: Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2019: Saying that Congress party was not dejected even though both its candidates were defeated in the Lok Sabha election, ex-Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has called upon the parties who have received people's mandate to rule the country and the State properly.

Speaking to media persons by the sideline of the 55th death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru observed today at Congress Bhavan here, Ibobi categorically stated that Congress party will never remain silent on any issue which impinges upon the interest of Manipur.

There are many factors for the defeat of both Congress candidates in the 17th Lok Sabha election.

People know very well whether the Lok Sabha election held in the State was free and fair or not, he added.

If the election was free and fair, the people's mandate would have gone elsewhere, Ibobi said.

Every one knows how elections are held in the hill districts of Manipur.

It is the group which can cast greater number of votes by hook or crook that gets elected.

If the voters were allowed to cast votes freely, Congress candidates could have won the election, Ibobi rued.

Some Assembly segments recorded voter turnout of 85-90 per cent.

This polling percentage does not reflect the real number of voters who turned out on the polling day, he asserted.

Saying that Congress party respects people's mandate, the ex-Chief Minister said that he would like to see how the winning parties govern the State and the country.

He appealed to the winning parties to ensure that there is good governance and peace in the country.

He also appealed to the next Government which would be sworn in shortly to ensure people have access to all basic needs and there is no corruption in governance.

Congress would partake in people's welfare, Ibobi said.

Congress party would fully discharge its duties and responsibilities as a constructive Opposition party.

Earlier, Ibobi recalled how freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel etc struggled for decades to free India from the colonial yoke.

Led by O Ibobi, many Congress MLAs, leaders and workers paid floral tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

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