Resist BJP's muscle and money power: O Ibobi to voters
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 01 2024: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has appealed to one and all to resist the money and muscle power of the BJP and defeat the ruling party in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections to safeguard Manipur.

Ibobi was quite categoric in making the statement as he continued that the incumbent Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from Manipur have failed to deliver the aspiration of people amidst the crisis besetting Manipur since May 3 last year.

Ibobi, who is also the CLP leader, made the statements during a reception ceremony held in honour of four people who joined the Congress party today.

During the ceremony held at Congress Bhavan today, Ibobi continued that many Manipuris are still taking refuge at relief camps while over 200 people have died in the course of violence but there is not a single word of condolence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi till today.

None of the MPs from Manipur were able to raise the issue of Manipur on the floor of the Parliament or seek an appointment with the Prime Minister, the Congress leader maintained and accused the Prime Minister of not taking the plight of Manipuri people seriously.

Further appealing to the people not to be swayed by money power at the time of casting their votes in the ensuing Parliamentary election, Ibobi added that the electors should resist the money and muscle power of BJP.

The BJP MPs failed to raise the issue of Manipur on the floor of the Parliament, so extend support to the INDIA bloc candidates, Professor Bimol Akoijam and Alfred K Arthur in the Parliamentary election, he appealed.

Congress candidate in Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency Professor Bimol Akoijam said that the Meeteis are now not able to move beyond Kanglatongbi, Phougakchao Ikhai etc under the regime of BJP Government and it speaks volumes of the situation in the State.

Saying that the situation in Manipur is similar to the proverbial saying "Imadi Ngaksham Youre", he assured that he will work in the interest of the people if he is elected.

"Lets face the ruling party together even if they use force and money power," Bimol appealed and added he decided to contest the election by thinking that those who love Manipur support him.

Notably, the four persons who joined the Congress party were ex-MLA of Yaiskul Elangbam Chand, former Chairman of Manipur Khadi and Village Industries Board Sagolsem Achouba, former president of Manipur University Student's Union (MUSU) Advocate Oinam Hemanta Singh and Thoudam Devadutta, son of former Minister Thoudam Devendra from Jiribam.

Member of Congress Working Committee (CWC) Gaikhangam said that the ensuing election is very important as it will decide the fate of Manipur and India at large.

Gaikhangam said that he had warned in advance of the violence and that it would be more disastrous than the one seen in 2001 if BJP comes to power and the same has been happening since May 3 last.

Defeating the BJP and its muscle and money power is indispensable to stop the bloodshed, he maintained.

MPCC president K Meghachandra, on the other hand, said that the joining of the four 'influential' persons will strengthen the INDIA bloc and ensure the victory of its candidates in the Lok Sabha election.

Claiming that the double-engine BJP Government has devastated the economy of Manipur and also failed to end the nearly 11 months old violence in Manipur, Meghachandra maintained that the fate of Manipur will become uncertain if the BJP remains at the helm.

He asked the people to not see Bimol Akoijam only as a candidate of INDIA bloc but as someone who can present the case of Manipur on the floor of Parliament.

Accusing the BJP of undermining the ethos of democracy and of scheming to subdue the voice of opposition, he added that boycotting the Lok Sabha election would only work in favour of the ruling party.

"Instead of boycotting the election, we must defeat the BJP," he added.

Deputy CLP leader K Ranjit, CPI (M) State secretary Kshetrimayum Santa also attended the programme along with other INDIA bloc leaders of its State unit.

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