BJP pledges to bestow 'Merger sops'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01 2012:
Asserting that Manipur deserves to get all the benefits agreed at the time of signing the merger agreement, national spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party Prakash Javedkar has said the political organisation would raise the issue during the Budget session of Parliament.
Javedkar arrived here today on a one-day visit to assess/review factors for the party not able to open its account at the just concluded 10th Manipur Legislation Assembly election and to chalk out steps for strengthening the organisation.
national secretary (organisation) Chandrasekhar Rao and national general secretary Tapir Gao also accompanied Javedkar.
Speaking to newspersons at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of the party's State unit after a marathon deliberation with State BJP leaders on the unfavourable outcome for the party in the election, he noted that Clause VIII of the Merger Agreement wherein suitable jobs and other benefits to the people of Manipur, especially the youth, have been promised, are yet to materialise.
Accusing Government of India of allegedly betraying the people of Manipur by not translating the assurances into reality, Javedkar pledged that BJP would demand a 'special package' for Manipur when Budget Session of Parliament commences from April 24 .
Accepting overwhelming victory of the Congress party in the State election, he nevertheless highlighted that in other States which also went to the polls, Congress suffered heavy defeat.
Javedkar also contended that inspite of O Ibobi Singh holding the highest office for three consecutive term, the Congress Govt had been repeatedly failing to guarantee democratic rights to its citizens.
Iterating that the BJP would constantly monitor administration of the O Ibobi Government for atleast four months during which all the activities would be scrutinised, he said in case there is failure to justify mandate and trust of the people BJP would launch intense agitation along with the State masses.
Noting hardships being endured by the people of Manipur, the national spokesperson affirmed that BJP would initiate various measures both in the Parliament and outside for the welfare and overall progress of the State.
To a query on whether the BJP-led NDA alliance would be putting up a consensus candidate in the 2014 Parliamentary elections, he said confirmation of the issue would be too early at this juncture.
Charging the UPA Government of imperilling people of the nation by frequently hiking prices of essential commodities, the BJP functionary also claimed that there is gradual discontentment amongst the UPA partners on the issue.
He also maintained that inspite of the people of Manipur re-voting the Congress to power, the faith of the people upon the BJP has not waned thereby boosting morale of the party leaders and workers for a more vigorous campaign to strengthen the political organisation from the grassroots.
Meanwhile, reliable sources informed that BJP leaders have been meeting leaders of MPP and NCP State unit with the stated objective of expanding the NDA alliance.