Ex-CM tutors successor on creation of districts
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 13 2024: Setting the record straight once again, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader O Ibobi Singh stated that new districts were created during his tenure as chief minister for the benefit of the people and not for gaining political advantage.

Replying to a query raised by media persons on the sidelines of the 133rd Patriots' Day observance at Congress Bhawan, here, on Tuesday regarding chief minister N Biren's statement in the state assembly about creation of new districts, O Ibobi said that the present government is not only unable to control law & order despite being a state subject but also unable to bring back peace and normalcy.

The present government keeps on changing version on root cause of the crisis as they first cited illegal immigrants and then shifted to reserved forest issue and war on drugs.

The latest version of the government is now creation of new districts but their allegation against the past government creating new districts for political advantage is unfounded and irresponsible, Ibobi said.

Terming as baseless the present government's allegation that creation of new districts was done for political convenience, the former chief minister explained that as Jiribam was earlier under Imphal East district people had to come to Imphal East to process even minor documents.

How could creation of Jiribam district be termed as taking political advantage, he questioned while clarifying that other districts too were created purely for the convenience of people and not for drawing political mileage.

While asserting that governance is a continuous process and the past government even took a cabinet decision for boundary adjustment, O Ibobi pointed out that the cabinet decision was taken for inclusion of villages into nearest districts for convenience of the people.

With the expectation that the Prime Minister would help in resolving the crisis if there is foreign aggression, Opposition assured of extending all possible help and support as and when the state government apprise the matter to the PM.

However, the present government keeps changing tract and versions from time to time.

During the time of the Congress government, seeking appointments with the PM were processed through the CM's office and the then Central government helped the state on various issues.

However, it is quite questionable as to why the chief minister is unable to meet the PM even after 15 months of violence, Ibobi said and strongly called for securing an appointment with PM so as to resolve the crisis.

When media persons raised similar query, deputy CLP leader K Ranjit said that he had earlier thought that only the chief minister had shortage of ideas but now realised that the entire cabinet ministers have failed miserably.

If the ruling side does not initiate steps properly when moved for debate on any demand/issue, it is a gentle step for the Opposition to walkout, he said and questioned as to why there is so much dissatisfaction when Opposition MLAs staged walkout.

He also clarified that new districts were created during the past Congress government for the convenience of people and there was no intention of taking political advantage from such a decision.

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