Failure to form Govt violates Constitution: Ibobi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 24 2025: Former chief minister 0 Ibobi Singh has stated that the failure to form a government despite the BJP commanding an absolute majority constitutes violation of the Constitution even as Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, member Gaikhangam has likened the imposition of the President's Rule despite having absolute majority to the experience of falling off a king size bed after a nightmare.

The senior Congress leaders made the observations during a function at Ima Kabokhong Lai Haraobung in Awang Jiri Mayai Leikai on Monday wherein the Konthoujam Block Congress Committee launched the 'Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Pad Yatra, Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Sambhidan Aabhiyaan' .

Failure to form Govt violates Constitution: Ibobi

Ibobi questioned whether the central BJP government and the former BJP-led state government are truly adhering to the Constitution in the case of Manipur.

He highlighted the plight of IDPs staying in relief camps for almost two years, failure of 36-37 BJP MLAs along with MLAs from other alliance partners to govern the state peacefully, and the failure of PM Modi to visit Manipur despite touring the neighbouring states during the elections, while stating that the systematic violation of the Constitution by BJP is clearly an act of contempt towards the people of Manipur and the non-violence principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi.

At present, there are 55 MLAs including those who are a part of the alliance.

Although Biren had resigned as chief minister, a new government could be formed as there is absolute majority.

However, the lack of any action in this regard is a violation of the Constitution itself, he charged the BJP.

Recounting that the June 18 incident had also occurred during BJP rule, the ex-CM said that strengthening Congress and forming a Congress-led government would help bring peace and tranquillity to the state.

Ibobi continued that time has come to discuss the future of the Constitution, especially as democracy is under continuous threat from BJP.

He then asserted that had Congress held an absolute majority in Parliament, the party would have ensured that the Constitution is upheld and respected.

As such, the Samvidhan campaign was launched with the objective of freeing the country from BJP, he added, while urging all to help in establishing a peaceful, non-violent environment that protects the Constitution.

Only Congress can ensure a deeply rooted peaceful government at the central and state levels, Ibobi remarked.

In his address, CWC member Gaikhangam said that the inability to form a government with 55 MLAs resulting in imposition of PR in the state is similar to sleeping on a king-size bed and falling off due to a nightmare.

The imposition of PR is due to failure to understand and adhere to the Constitution, he remarked, while adding that the situation would not have deteriorated if the guidelines of the Constitution had been obeyed.

Presiding over the programme, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra said that the loss of our rights is a challenge to the Constitution.

Forcing people to stay in relief camps for over 21 months is against the law but the central and the former state governments still remain indifferent, he rued, while adding that the government refused to convene a meeting of all political parties to address the issue, thereby leading to the current situation.

The double engine government has failed to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, he said, while noting that PR was imposed in the state in violation of Article 371 (1) .

The launch event was also attended by former MP Dr Thokchom Meinya as guest of honour.