Ibobi confident of 4th term in office
Source: The Sangai Express / IANS

Imphal, October 22 2016: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who has scripted a political history as the first and only leader who is going to complete 3 consecutive terms.

has exuded confidence of coming back to power for the fourth time.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Ibobi said, "We have done several developmental works for which all sections of people have stood by us in good stead.

For the first time Congress was the only party which secured 42 seats in the 60 member House in the last Assembly elections.

Our strength was eventually increased to 51" .

He admitted that at least 3 MLAs had resigned and joined BJP.

"I do not understand since they had been Ministers for at least 10 years.

But their departure is not worrisome to us" .

His first Ministry was installed on March 7, 2002 after 277 days of President's Rule.

The total budget outlay was Rs 550 crore with an opening deficit of Rs 557.68 crore.

"There was a lukewarm response to our SOS appeal.

I was not given appointments by the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister" .

Once Manmohon Singh became the Prime Minister on May 27, 2004 a helping hand was extended.

"Apart from generous assistances there was special package of Rs 2777.68 crore.

We could undertake various developmental projects which are there for the people to see", he added.

Manipur spends Rs 320 crore in a month on salary and pensions.

The Government will pay salary to the employees and pensioners before the social festival, Ningol Chakkouba, which falls on November 1 .

He said, "The simple reason for the inordinate delay in the completion of the ongoing projects is the recurring blockades, strikes and wild cat shutdowns.

If people do away with this strike culture projects can be completed on time" .

On the June 18, 2001 uprising, Ibobi said that the destroyed items and buildings have been repaired.

But the 18 persons who were killed shall never return, he added.

"Now the NDA Government has signed a Framework Agreement with the NSCN (IM).

The Government is keeping the cards close to the chest and is not putting it on the public domain.

What is the meaning of this secrecy ?" he asked.

There is a dramatic improvement in the power supply position in Manipur following the installation of the pre-paid system, said Ibobi and claimed that Manipur has become a role model in power sector.

There is uninterrupted power supply in most parts of the State now, he added.

"Our achievements in the last 15 years are not imaginary and in appreciation the people will send us back to power", he said.

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