Dy CM rebuts communal slur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17 2017:
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has refuted the allegation made by some people belonging to a particular community that the Congress Government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi is communal.
He was speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of INC candidate in Uripok AC L Nandakumar held today at the candidate's Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak residence under Uripok Block Congress Committee.
Gaikhangam stated that there was no truth in the allegations that no development programmes were taken up in hill districts and Chief Minister O Ibobi is communal.
During the past 15 years, all the hill districts have seen many developmental changes under the successive Congress Governments.
If someone was saying that these changes were not visible, he/she must be blind, the Deputy Chief Minister remarked.
The Congress Government has been working to bring uniform development across the hills and valley of the State.
After construction of several power sub-stations at different hill district headquarters, the Government has been able to provide regular power supply.
Many other infrastructure are also being developed which would go a long way toward socio-economic development of the people of hill districts, Gaikhangam said.
He further informed that plans were afoot to expand the area covered by Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC).
Accusing BJP of being a political party which also works against the unity and integrity of Manipur, the Deputy Chief Minister asserted that O Ibobi would head the next Congress Government for the fourth consecutive term.
There is no political party other than Congress which can safeguard the unity and integrity of Manipur.
The ensuing election is a battle between two forces, one committed to safeguard the integrity of Manipur at all costs and the other determined to fragment Manipur.
As such, people need to exercise their right to vote in the most judicious manner, Gaikhangam continued.
People have seen all the development programmes taken up by Congress during the past 15 years and people still repose their faith in the party.
The party always treasure the people's faith and trust and Okram Ibobi would go on to become the Chief Minister for the fourth successive term.
There is no scrambling for leadership within Congress party, Gaikhangam asserted.
He then appealed to all the people of Manipur to re-elect the Congress Government.
MLA L Nandakumar too remarked that the ensuing election is a crucial political battle.
He said that only a thorough defeat of BJP can safeguard the integrity of Manipur.
It is clear that BJP has a hands in the indefinite economic blockade, Nandakumar alleged.