CM's remarks proof of election vice: Meghachandra
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 09 2022: Taking serious note of chief minister N Biren Singh asking his cabinet colleague Leishangthem Susindro about the money spent by the latter to win election during a public function held few days back, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra contended that CM's remark has proven and conceded that BJP won the election through use of money and muscle power.

While speaking to newspersons at Congress Bhawan on Monday regarding party's Unit/booth and primary election, the MPCC president said people are well aware of reason behind Congress party securing only five seats in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election though the party won 28 seats in the 2017 polls.

There had been reports of malpractices including booth capturing and threatening people using money and muscle power by BJP candidates in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, he said adding that such malpractices adopted by BJP to secure absolute majority in the election and form the government are now out in the public domain.

During a public function held few days back, CM N Biren asked minister Susindro as to how many crores of rupees he spent in the assembly election and advised the latter not to tiy to recoup the money spent in election from public as there will be alternative means.

The statement made by CM in a public function indeed laid bare that BJP violated election model code of conduct which mentions that election expenditure must not exceed Rs 28 lakh, Meghachandra said adding that BJP did not allow electors their right to give vote to candidates of their choice in the last assembly election.

Pradesh Returning Officer (PRO) Manipur Pratap Bhanu Sharma, who also attended the press conference, told media persons that more than one lakh new members were enrolled to the party during enrolment drive conducted till April 15.The party expects to enrol more than 3 lakh new members as per assurance in this regard given by the MPCC president and the CLP leader, he said while informing that primary elections for units and booths will be held on May 15 as per advice of the AICC.

Scrutiny for the elections will be held on May 10 and last date for withdrawal of candidates will be on May 12, he added.

CLP leader O Ibobi Singh, MLA K Ranjit, MLA Lokeswar and office bearers of MPCC also attended the press conference.

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