Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23:
Ambiguity still surrounds the reported exit of former MP Thounaojam Chaoba Singh from the membership of the BJP national Executive as neither the party's central leader nor State figure could elicit the exact reason.
Apart from describing chaoba's ouster from the National Executive as 'done in the interest of the organisation', BJP's Zonal Organising Secretary for North East V Satish declined explicit explanation when mediapersons raised the issue today thereby leading to speculation whether the seasoned politician still enjoys status of primary member of the saffron party.
Interacting with the media persons at the state BJP office today, V Satish opted for limited and obscure comment regarding causes for the former State unit president being relieved from the National Executive membership.
"It was done in the best interest of the organisation and the state party leaders were duly consulted before taking decision on the matter," reiterated Satish when reporters insisted on knowing exact reason for Chaoba being distanced from the party's central organisation.
Contending that party's national leadership had taken the decision taking into account 'best interest of the party', he further asserted 'whenever required such harsh decisions are taken in a political party' adding "Now Chaoba has no responsibility in the party".
It is pertinent to note that KYKL had banned BJP activities in the State on conditions that Chaoba be removed from the party.
Such perpetual threat is also considered among political circle to be the chief factor for BJP's failure to win a single seat in the Imphal municipal council election held some months back.
Even though Chaoba was relieved from the national executive committee, it is not clear whether he still retains primary membership of the party which became even more confusing as State party president Dr Haobam Borobabu Singh also declined to provide a substantive response on the matter.
"You just imagine yourself as to why the central leaders took such rigid decision after the party had to endure subdued existence for years," Borobabu quipped.
Regarding the organisation's preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections, Satish took the opportunity to appeal to all state unit BJP leaders, who had quit the party recently to come back to the party fold.
He also advised the state leaders to establish contact with those who left their parent organisation.
The party's strategies for the polls would be sorted out after convening a meeting with national leaders at Imphal in October, he said.
Elucidating on BJP's demand for holding the polls, scheduled in February next, under President Rule, Satish said "We demand President Rule in Manipur so that the forthcoming polls are conducted in the most fair and peaceful manner".
The Election Commission besides issuing digital cameras to the poll officials, should also convene an all party meeting ahead of the polls, he expressed while adding that special observers should also be deputed to assess arrangements for the polls at all assembly constituencies of the state.
"Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) should also be used and revision of the electoral rolls should be done to weed out bogus and repetition of voters' names and issuance of photo identity card to all voters be taken as mandatory.
The polls should be conducted more than two phases to so that adequate security arrangements could be made." A vision document containing all round developmental plans upto 2017 would also be released after the meeting, he said while confiding that BJP will also furnish charges against the congress led Secular Progressive Front.
Govt's mis-governance, indulgence in rampant corruption, mis-utilization of central funds, nexus with UGs etc are some of charges being prepared against the SPF ahead of the polls, he added.
The party's manifesto would also be released well ahead of the polls and possible allies would also be sorted out to unitedly take on the Congress and left combined in the ensuing polls, Satish maintained.
Contending that the state government is trying to hush up the probe on Iskcon blast, he demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident that had so far claimed six lives.
Let there be a thorough inquiry so that the perpetrators are given exemplary punishment, he declared.
Satish also conveyed BJP's demand to release student leaders and teachers of aided colleges who were arrested in connection with the recent stir to facilitate early resumption of normal classes.