Cong flexes muscles ahead of by-poll
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2015 : The Congress party used the platform of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary celebration to assail the BJP both at the Centre and State, accusing the party of attempting to destabilize India's secular fabric.

The ruling Congress concluded the year long celebra- tion of 125 birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister with a function at the Congress Bhavan here today.

A "Run for peace" marked the concluding programme.

Led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, ministers, MLAs, party leaders and workers marched through Imphal city streets to spread the message of peace.

The route of the march covered Keishampat, which is close to BJP head office as if the Congress wanted to demonstrate its strength ahead of the forthcoming by-election to Thongju and Thangmeiband Assembly constituencies.

The Congress also used the programme to hard sell the party keeping in mind the by-election, which is slated for November 21 .

CM Okram Ibobi leads the rally

"The Congress and its leaders had played an unparalleled role in attaining India's freedom.

India has become a super power today because of Congress' contribution," Ibobi Singh claimed.

Stating that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had sacrificed their lives for the sake of safeguarding the country's unity and integrity, the Chief Minister called upon the people to follow the footsteps of the great leaders to maintain Manipur's as well as India's unity.

Ibobi Singh shrugged off criticisms on his Government's development programmes by maintaining that those who performed are bound to be discussed.

Though Gaikhangam, who holds home portfolio, paid glowing tributes to Pandit Nehru, he dwelled more on present political scenario in the country.

"Delhi election taught BJP the first lesson for making false promises.

BJP learnt the second lesson in the Bihar election.

The people of Manipur are going to teach the party the third lesson in the Thongju and Thangmeiband by-poll," Gaikahangam said.

People across the nation have realized now that the BJP had fooled them with false promises during the Parliamentary election and Indians are now ready to punish the BJP.

"The BJP has failed to keep its promises of stamping out corruption and bringing back black money within 100 days of assuming office," Gaikhangam said.

Without mentioning BJP, he urged the people to be wary of "communal politics and divisive forces" that can pose a serious threat to India's unity in diversity.

Terming BJP Manipur unit as a "wounded tiger", Gaikhangam ridiculed it as a party plagued with intra-party squabbling.

He charged that majority of the BJP leaders are former Congress men who have no qualms about changing parties.

On the issue of Manipur's geographical boundary, the Deputy Chief Minister said no one can break up the state's unity and territorial integrity.

Lok Sabha MP Thokchom Meinya Singh also addressed the gathering.

He termed the Congress as the only secular party that has been preserving the country's unity in diversity.

Congress MP from Silchar, Susmita Dev too attended the programme.