Ibobi calls BJP Govt dictatorial
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 20 2025: In commemoration of the 81st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister (late) Rajiv Gandhi, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) observed Sadbhavana Diwas at Congress Bhawan on Wednesday.

On the occasion, MPCC president K Meghachandra, CLP leader O Ibobi, CWC member Gaikhangam, along with other party leaders, offered floral tributes to the portraits of the party's late leader.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA O Ibobi recounted that Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India, and during his five-year tenure the voting age, which was earlier 21 years, was reduced to 18 years, thereby empowering more citizens with the right to vote.

He added that the world had recognised Rajiv Gandhi as a mature and visionary leader.

Ibobi further noted that since the majority of Indian citizens live in rural areas, Rajiv Gandhi strengthened the Panchayati Raj system in villages, empowered the ADC in the hills, and also extended powers to urban local bodies.

He was also the one who introduced 30 percent reservation for women in local governance.

"Had he lived longer, he would have ensured reservation for women in both the State Assembly and the Parliament," Ibobi said, adding that it was most unfortunate and a great loss for the nation that he was brutally assassinated at a young age.

In total contradiction to Rajiv Gandhi's vision of empowering local bodies, the BJP government, functioning in a dictatorial manner, has even forced the postponement of local body elections, he alleged.

Ibobi also recalled the amendment to the 10th Schedule, which introduced the anti-defection law disqualifying legislators who switched parties.

He described it as a landmark achievement in Indian democracy, as the Act was passed during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure with the support of both the ruling and opposition parties.

MPCC president and MLA K Meghachandra said that the party observed Sadbha-vana Diwas by organising a mass bike rally under the theme "Communal Harmony and National Integration", covering seven districts of the state.

The rally, which carried messages of unity, peace, national integration and communal harmony, witnessed the participation of over 500 bikers.

Meanwhile, replying to queries from the media, K Meghachandra said that nothing can be expected from the BJP.

He remarked that an inconsistent party cannot run a government and alleged that the BJP is the root cause of the state's financial crisis, law-and-order issues, administrative failures, disunity and poor leadership.

Considering these factors, he said a popular government under the BJP can never be expected at any time.

Comment