BJP first to release election manifesto
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10 2012:
The BJP has promised to uphold Manipur's territorial integrity and bring the law and order to such a situation where the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is not required.
The saffron party, which suffered a humiliating defeat with all its candidates biting the dust in the last Assembly polls, released its manifesto containing 34 points as well as its final list of candidates today.
BJP is set to field candidates in 19 of the 60 Assembly Constituencies.
Though the State unit BJP is not a member of the pre-poll alliance of the Opposition front, the People's Democratic Front, it and the Manipur People's Party (MPP) have shared seats in some constituencies including the prestigious Thoubal seat, the turf of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
Apart from MPP, the Opposition alliance set up with the primary target to take on and defeat the ruling Congress comprises of NCP, RJD, JD (U) and CPI (M) .
BJP National spokesperson Prakash Javadekar , who released the party's manifesto at a media conference at the State unit party office, said the party would also hand out BJP's Vision Document for the State next week.
"If BJP comes to power, we will set up a special investigative unit and probe all corrupt Ministers, legislatures and officials who held office during the ten years and if any of them including the incumbent CM are found guilty, they would be put behind bars accordingly," Javadekar said.
On the controversial AFSPA, the manifesto said BJP " will bring law and order in such a situation where AFSPA, 1958 is not required and that any human rights violation will not be tolerated" .
The party promised to legislate for safeguarding the identity of the threatened indigenous people of the state, to bring about a political solution to the insurgency problem and to establish a corruption free and transparent government in the state.
BJP promised to launch the 1500-MW Tipaimukh dam as and when the consensus of the people of the state is arrived and take up steps for regular and uninterrupted power supply to every house and industrial establishments and to promote solar power plant to supplement power.
It also mentioned for proper exposure and training facilities for the sports and cultural talents outside the state, if necessary, in an advanced foreign country and also adequate financial assistance and suitable job facilities.
The saffron party assured to improve National Highway 37 ( Imphal-Silchar route) up to national standard and make equal development of all the rights for the state especially in the hills and rural areas focusing on construction of inter village roads , educational institutions and providing medical facilities.
Establishment of separate jail and police stations for women, promotion of tourism industry, taking up the issue of backlog of ST/SC in the employment per rules governing them and preservation of Sana Konung (palace) as a living institution of Manipur not only as a historical monument are also the points incorporated in the manifesto.