CM brushes aside NaMo wave in North East region
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 29 2014: Mandate of the people and not lofty-claims by State unit BJP leaders about popularity and impact by its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi gaining momentum in the North East region will be decisive in the upcoming Parliamentary elections, asserted Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh.

interacting with reporters on the sidelines of scrutiny of the Rajya Sabha nomination papers of Haji Abdul Salam at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat today, Ibobi said the final verdict to the Lok Sabha elections in case of North East, particularly Manipur, remains in the hands of the region's people and not through bragging by the local BJP leaders.

To a specific poser as to whether the media speculation about Modi's emergence as a strong Prime Ministerial candidate will have a bearing on the prospect of Congress party's candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats, the CM evading a direct response said only time will confirm Modi's impact.

RS designated MP with the CM

Reacting to another query about State BJP leaders accusing the Congress Government's indulgence in corrupt activities and scheme fund irregularities, he observed that such wild allegations will serve no purpose without substantial proof.

With apparent reference to scathing remarks by State BJP president Th Chaoba against the Congress organisation and the Government, Ibobi said the people need no reminding about Chaoba's erstwhile association with the Congress party or his activities.

Cautioning that Chaoba will face serious embarrassment if the Congress too decides to launch salvos against him, the CM suggested that Chaoba restrain himself for the people of Manipur have matured and cannot be misled through unfounded claims.

Disagreeing with the dormancy slur cast against Congress MPs from Manipur whenever sensitive issues figure in the Parliament, Ibobi explained that opposition members are normally more vociferous during parliamentary debates.

respecting Parliamentary decorum and taking into account seniority in the party's rank and file it would be inappropriate and considered disrespectful for State MPs to randomly comment in the floor of the parliament, he added.

Moreover, if State-specific issues figure in the Parliament the Manipur MPs will have to voice the people's concern and interest rather than wait for approval from senior leaders, opined the CM also expressed confidence that Rajya Sabha MP-designate Abdul Salam will live upto the expectation of the people of Manipur.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam, also present at the occasion, dismissing State unit BJP leaders' claim about narendra Modi's wave set to firmly set foot in Manipur amusingly commented that the Modi wave cannot travel through the mountain ranges encapsulating manipur.