MPCC chief takes a dig at Modi rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 09 2014: BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's public rally at Imphal is not likely to produce any significant impact on the electoral politics of Manipur.

Earlier too, some big names of Hindi cinema came to the State and campaigned for BJP but it did not change anything and not a single BJP candidate was elected, stated MPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

On being enquired about Narendra's frontal assault and unrestrained criticisms against Congress party during his public rally at Imphal, Gaikhangam maintained people of Manipur would not give any undue importance to what were spoken by leaders coming from outside the State.

Sensing that Manipuri people do not appreciate campaigning by leaders coming from outside the State howsoever popular they may be in other parts of the country, Congress has already stopped inviting high-profile leaders for election campaign in the State.

What the BJP Manipur unit has been doing sounds like 'the pasture is greener on the other side of the fence' .

Expressing happiness over the warm welcome accorded to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Gaikhangam claimed that Narendra Modi's Imphal rally would not be complete without the State Government's assistance even though it was organised by BJP.

Credit should be given to the State Government for ensuring that the rally went off smoothly.

"If yesterday's rally should be assumed as any forecast, there is no need to comment but the real test lies ahead.

"If Chief Minister O Ibobi had said action would tell he would have meant election results but as of now even entry forms have not been issued.

Forecasting results even before giving exams is too premature", said the Congress leader.

Congress party is prepared to fight any opponent.

Because of the series of festivals lined up since September last year, election campaign was put on hold for sometime.

It would be resumed from the current month.

Claiming that some sitting MLAs offered alliance with Congress, Gaikhangam said that the offer is being considered.

A list of aspiring candidates for the Lok Sabha election have been sent to the Congress high command and it is expected that the party would give tickets to the most prospective and popular candidates.

Narendra Modi's offer to train Manipur Police in Gujarat was bereft of any policy.

Manipur Police do not have anything to learn from Gujarat Police.

Police training programme in other States may be considered if it is something taken up at all India level, Gaikhangam confided.

He also condemned in the strongest term all the incidents of assault, molestation, rape and murder of Northeastern people at Delhi.

One can find peace of mind only when perpetrators of such crimes are shot at sight had it not been unlawful.

On being asked about the demand for enactment of an anti-racism law, the Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the existing laws would do if they are implemented properly and effectively.

Reacting to Narendra Modi's allegations of massive corruption, Gaikhangam pointed out that UPA Government enacted the RTI Act with the primary objective of checking corruption.

In Manipur too, Lok Ayukta Bill would be implemented after it is passed by the State Assembly in the forthcoming session.

Talking about the tripartite talk held with UNC recently, the Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the State Government representatives limited their role to listeners but the State Government would never compromise the State's interests under any circumstances.

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