Ibobi slams BJP Govt at reception event
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 08 2024:
Questioning the wisdom and rationale for the i nordinate delay in holding elections to the local bodies, Congress 'Legislature Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi Singh raised suspicion about the present government, scheming to dismantle the democratic structure.
Speaking at the felicitation function organised for former Sagolband MLA Dr Kh Loken, former Tamei MLA Kikhonbou Newmai and former members of ADC and NPP members, who joined the Congress party, at Congress Bhawan on Friday, Ibobi asked the BJP government to explicitly specify reasons for delaying elections to local bodies like Panchayats, district councils or municipal councils, which are democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
"The government talks of 'Go to hills' and 'Go, to village' but appointed administrators from their pockets for running the local bodies without holding elections for a long time.
If such unfair acts continue, the party running the government at present will not only lose elections but will have no takers in future.
They might even go on seeking another term for PM or MLAs without conducting elections just like local bodies," he remarked.
According to O Ibobi, the government claimed of restoring peace in Manipur but remained a mute spectator to grave incidents like the one occurred in Jiribam district on Thursday.
"The present government continues to blame the past Congress government for everything, be it corruption, law & order, influx of foreigners or poppy plantation," he jibed.
While contending that there is nothing to expect from the present government unless it stops the blame-game, he observed that people of the state now apprehensive that peace would remain elusive until a Congress government returns in the state.
He also strongly criticised the BJP governments both in the state and the Centre, accusing them of mishandling the ongoing Ethnic crisis in Manipur, stating BJP's governance had brought miseries among the people and unrest, not only in Manipur but across the country.
"Since they (BJP) came to power, at the Centre and the state, peace and tranquillity have been shattered.
The BJP's rule has led to division and chaos in the name of religion, language, and identity," he stated.
The Congress leader said BJP's approach has caused conflict and division among communities in Manipur, leading to widespread instability, fear and mistrust.
Ibobi further alleged that the BJP came to power in Manipur �in 2017 through an undemocratic manner.
"In 2017 Assembly polls, the Congress (which was in power at that time) became the single largest party winning 28 seats in the 60-member Assembly, but the then-Governor, reportedly under central influence, invited the BJP despite the party secured 21 seats to form the government," the three-time (2002-2017) former chief minister said.
He cited the success of Congress candidates in both the Lok Sabha seats as evidence of people's support for Congress and their displeasure with the BJP's governance.
In the April-May Lok Sabha elections, the opposition Congress won both the Lok Sabha seats - Inner Manipur (Angomcha Bimol Akoijam) and Outer Manipur (Alfred Kanngam S Arthur).
The felicitation function was also attended by MPCC president K Meghachandra, CWC member Gaikhangam, former ministers and other party leaders.
As many as 12 prominent political leaders including the two former MLAs joined the Congress party on Friday.
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