Ibobi deliberates on peace, development and law & order
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 13 2022: Former Chief Minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi has categorically stated that the chances of the people of Manipur to be swayed by the cheap publicity and propaganda of BJP is literally low.

Speaking to media persons at Imphal today, the former Chief Minister continued that the performance of the BJP led coalition Government which is about to complete its term is questionable.

"What remarkable infrastructure has the BJP led Government developed in the last five years other than opening some women markets in hill districts," Ibobi asked and added that Congress, however, brought unprecedented development in every sector while it was at helm for 15 long years.

Maintaining that the Planning Commission (now Niti-Aayog) allocated a fund called Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for the North East States, apart from Budget to implement special projects in the region, Ibobi stated that Mini Secretariat , Mini Sports Complex and District Hospital were established by Congress under SPA in every district.

The Congress party also opened many new schools and colleges, he said and added that the DPR and survey of Makru and Barak bridges were completed during the tenure of the Congress Government.

Governance is a continuation process and as such it is natural for BJP to complete what Congress started, Ibobi reasoned.

On being asked about corruption and law and order situation during his days, O Ibobi stated that he was mocked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 10 percent Chief Minister in 2017 but the same topic was not raised when the Prime Minister visited the State recently.

"So it is questionable whether the Government has indeed eliminated corruption or is freely indulging in corrupt activities," O Ibobi asked.

The former Chief Minister ,however, refused to comment about the MDS and Loktak scams, saying that the cases are pending at Court.

O Ibobi said that he will cooperate in the investigation and welcome the decision of the Court.

The Congress also never encouraged fake encounters, he said and added that it is a responsibility for any Government to safeguard its people and resources.

"People know very well on whose time the law and order of Manipur started improving," he added.

Claiming that Narendra Modi assured to end bandh and blockade within 48 hours if BJP is elected in 2017, Ibobi asked if it was the Prime Minister who instigated the anti-social element in the first place.

Ibobi then said that Congress will end the culture of bandh and blockade if given a chance.

The Congress completed 90 percent of the electrification works, he said.

About the controversial ADC Bill 2021, O Ibobi maintained that Congress has no knowledge of what is incorporated in the Bill and hasn't discussed the same at party platform.

There was never an issue of such kind when Congress was in power, the former Chief Minister said and added that it was Congress which conducted ADC election which was suspended for nearly 20 years.

"Why is the incumbent Government hesitating to hold ADC and Urban Local Body elections," he further asked.

The ADC Bill which was signed by HAC members might have been drafted in the larger interest of the hill districts, he said and maintained that there is no guarantee that every recommendation of the HAC will be approved by the House.

The BJP accusing Congress of creating division among the hill and valley people is nonsensical, Ibobi asserted.

"What is the point of convening a Cabinet meeting in hill districts if no developmental packages are taken there other than wasting States' funds," he reasoned.

"There is a misconception among the people that the State will not get its rightful share of benefit if the Centre is administered by one party and the State by another," Ibobi pointed out and continued that the State will get its share no matter what.

On defection, Ibobi asked if the then "Madam Governor did anything to uphold the Indian Constitution."People know who is encouraging defection," he said and added that one ex Congress member shifting allegiance to BJP even before taking oath as an MLA was against the tenth schedule.

"There was never an instance of Congress intimidating the press too," he continued and exuded confidence that Congress will return to power.

On being asked about the next Chief Ministerial face of Congress, Ibobi said that the decision will be taken up by Central party leaders.

It was Congress which removed AFSPA from seven ACs of Imphal, Ibobi maintained.

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