Imphal, December 09 2009: Maintaining that if Congress candidate could be defeated then it would be the end of the rule of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang has categorically observed that the upcoming by-election to the Yaiskul Assembly Constituency is in fact an election between the Congress party and the people of Manipur.

The flag hoisting ceremony of Independent candidate in the by-election Hanjabam Jaydev alias Gandhi was held at his residence today.

BJP State unit president Dr H Borbabu, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang, former MLA L Jatra, councillors of Ward no.18 and 20 were present among others at the occasion.

A large number of womenfolk from various parts also came to take part in the ceremony bringing Athenpots and gave their blessing to Jaydev.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Nimaichand asserted that it is not a sign of weakness that the Opposition parties like MPP and BJP have not fielded their candidates to fight in the by-election.

The two parties understand that fielding their candidates would easy victory for the Congress.

If Congress party can be defeated in this by-election, then there would no rule of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

There is no able leader in Congress party today and it is a shame to make Ibobi Singh the Chief Minister.

Administrative failure under a weak leader has resulted in daily incidents of violence which are being witnessed by the people today.

So the upcoming by-election is the right opportunity for the people to rectify the wrong, redress the grievances against the present Government, ensure education to the students and lead the State to the path of peace and development.

The by-election is to be fought not by candidate Jaydev.

It is a fight between the Congress and the people of Manipur and more particularly the people of Yaiskul Assembly Constituency.

So the public should remain alert, Dr Nimaichand said.

BJP State unit president Dr H Borbabu who was also present at the occasion alleged that over 5000 people have been killed in the last over seven years of rule under the Congress led Government.

The present Government has made a complete farce of the democracy which means the rule of the people.

He further alleged that neglecting the voice of the people and their grievances, those in the power are today competing among themselves in amassing private properties and misusing the security forces to intimidate the people.

The upcoming by-election cannot be won by money and muscle power.

The people of Manipur have been closely monitoring the election.

At a time when the chair of Ibobi Singh has been shaken and there is eagerness over whether his rule would remain or not, allowing the Congress candidate to win the by-election would meant the anti-people to complete its term.

Since the by-election is a litmus test for the present Government, all eyes are now focus on the people of Yaiskul.

Success of the Congress candidate in the by-election would meant supporting Ibobi, Dr Borbabu said.

Former MLA L Jatra who also spoke at the occasion observed that since one Minister/MLA each have been reportedly assigned to look after the needs of the people in all the 28 polling stations, this by-election should be declared as a fight between Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and the people of Manipur.

If Independent candidate Jaydev wins the by-election, rule of the people would be able to restore surely, he added.

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