Imphal, December 28 2008: The result of the Moirang Assembly Constituency by-poll will be an acid test for the Congress led SPF Government on whether the people have faith in the activities of the Government or not, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi.

The SPF Govt led by Okram Ibobi complete seven years in March next year.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the 123rd foundation day function of the Indian National Congress at Congress Bhavan here today.

The function organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee was presided by its president Gaikhangam.

Ministers, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, party MLAs, ex-MLAs and several leaders of Congress party attended the function.

They also paid tribute to the late members of the party.

Even though it is 123 years since the INC was established, MPCC is just 62 years as the State unit was set up late in 1946 .

RK Bhubansana was the first president of the state unit Congress party.

Gaikhangam, the incumbent MPCC president is the 27th president.

Addressing the gathering attended by a large number of Congress workers and supporters, Ibobi said that the results of Moirang by-election will be an indicator whether people appreciate the achievements of the SPF Govt during its almost seven years of rule or not.

As for the success or defeat of the Congress candidate, it lies in the hands of the people, he added.

High percentage turn-out of voters in the by-election was also a clear and loud message that people are fed up of violence which cannot bring anything positive, asserted the Chief Minister.

Notwithstanding the various development programmes taken up by the Government, the Opposition parties had no option but to campaign for their candidate shouting that the Government had not done anything for development/welfare of the people, he asserted.

Recalling that the Khuga Dam was taken up during the tenure of the current MPP president Dr L Chandramani when he was IFC Minister, Ibobi claimed that the Government is working hard to commission the dam even though Dr Chandramani left the dam incomplete.

Observing that many development/construction works are in the programme list for interior areas of hill districts before the arrival of Monsoon, Ibobi wished that the two MPs exert pressure on the Planning Commission in this regard.

He also sought cooperation of Imphal town dwellers towards the Government's effort to develop Imphal town, lay underground power cables and complete the Sewerage Project.

Claiming that it is his good fortune to be a member of the country's largest and oldest party, Ibobi exhorted that Congress workers should never forget the roles taken by Congress leaders during the freedom struggle.

Saying that the Congress party is making all-out efforts two secure both the Lok Sabha seats of the State in the forthcoming parliamentary election, he called upon the Congress workers and supporters to strengthen the party and make Manipur a peaceful and progressive State.

MPCC president Gaikhangam claimed that the history of India is closely connected with the Congress party.

He went on to say that there was no development programme or project, now visible in Manipur, which was not touched by the Congress party.

Asserting that there has been noticeable change in the field of development in Manipur under the Congress led Government, Gaikhangam exuded that the INC candidate will certainly emerge victorious in the Moirang bye-election.

He also called upon all to strengthen the Congress party.

Noting the high rate of violence and crime in Manipur in addition to presence of vested interest groups reportedly scheming to drive wedges among different communities, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing called upon Congress workers to strive for justice through non-violent means.

He said that the State has no problem for funds.

Nonetheless, Rishang Keishing called upon all concerned to take up development programmes prudently and promptly when New Delhi is generous enough to grant development funds.

The foundation day function was also addressed by Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, Speaker Dr Sapam Budhichandra and other Ministers. Winners of the Priyadarshini spot written quiz competition organised by NSUI were given certificates during the function.

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