BJP dodging Gwaltabi issue with Govt formation: Lokeswar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 02 2025: Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeswar has accused the BJP of diverting public attention from the issue of erasing the word "Manipur" from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus in the May 20 Gwaltabi incident by shifting focus to the formation of a new government and the ongoing flood crisis.

Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of a mini community hall constructed under the MGNREGS fund at Yumnam Khunou Awang Leikai in Khundrakpam assembly constituency, Lokeswar said the Gwaltabi incident strikes at the core of Manipur's identity and cannot be brushed aside.

He alleged that BJP leadership in Delhi was attempting to pacify public outrage with empty assurances, instead of taking concrete action.

The Congress MLA questioned the silence of the BJP-led administration under President's Rule stating it was unacceptable that the commanding officer of the Mahar Regiment battalion involved in the Gwaltabi incident has not been held accountable.

Referring to the clarification issued by the chief secretary denying any instruction to erase or conceal the name of the state, he asked why no action was taken against the officer who led the troops.

He then questioned as to whether the state administration under President's Rule is subordinate to an army officer.

Lokeswar also noted that while journalists in the state are still boycotting news related to state government and security forces under central and state governments in protest against the incident, the Central BJP leadership had tactfully diverted the issue by bringing up talks of government formation and the flood situation in the state.

He questioned why BJP legislators are more focused on forming a government instead of addressing the Gwaltabi issue and urged them to knock on the Centre's door if they are genuinely concerned.

He asserted that if BJP MLAs were unable to raise the matter alone, Congress MLAs are ready to join forces to demand accountability from the Centre.

Criticising the BJP's approach to government formation, Lokeswar challenged the saffron party's legislators to select a leader and stake claim with the required number of signatures instead of waiting for the green signal from Delhi.

He said that the Congress MLAs are ready to resign if BJP legislators are brave enough to act on the Gwaltabi issue and tender their resignations as a mark of protest.

The community hall inauguration was presided over by former president of Yumnam Khunou Awang Leikai Shinglup Chaphamayum Ibohanbi, while Haraorou GP caretaker chairperson Thangjam Indrakumar attended as guest of honour.

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