CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh criticizes BJP for crisis in Manipur, vows Congress will restore peace

IT News
Imphal, Nov 8:

Former Chief Minister and Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi Singh strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at both the state and central levels, accusing them of mishandling the ongoing crisis in Manipur. His remarks came during a reception ceremony at Congress Bhavan, where former Minister L. Jayentakumar, MLA Kh. Loken, and Kikonbou were formally welcomed back into the Congress party.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi claimed that the BJP’s governance had brought disruption and unrest, not only in Manipur but across the country. “Since the BJP took power, peace and tranquility have been shattered. The BJP’s rule has led to division and chaos in the name of religion, language, and identity,” he stated. According to Ibobi, the BJP’s approach has caused discord among communities in Manipur, leading to widespread instability and fear.
The opposition leader further alleged that the BJP’s ascension to power in Manipur was undemocratic. Recalling the 2017 state elections, he noted that despite Congress winning 28 out of 60 seats, the then-Governor, reportedly under central influence, invited the BJP—which had secured only 21 seats—to form the government. “The mandate was clearly for Congress, but the BJP used central influence to seize power, undermining the democratic choice of the people,” Ibobi said, accusing the BJP of bypassing constitutional norms.
He went on to criticize the BJP government’s failure to conduct local body elections, claiming that COVID-19 was used as an excuse to delay these polls indefinitely. “While other states conducted their local body elections, the BJP in Manipur chose not to, appointing administrators of their own choosing instead,” Ibobi alleged. According to him, the appointments of these administrators for Zilla Parishads and Panchayats were attempts to misuse funds from the Finance Commission. “This government doesn’t believe in democracy; it operates like a dictatorship,” he asserted, expressing concern that the BJP might even attempt to delay general elections for similar reasons.
Ibobi emphasized Congress’s commitment to protecting democratic values across the country and particularly in Manipur. He cited the success of Congress candidates in both the inner and outer parliamentary seats as evidence of people’s support for Congress and their dissatisfaction with the BJP’s governance. “The people have already shown the BJP their stance through the MP elections, and Congress stands ready to teach them a bigger lesson,” he declared, underscoring Congress’s readiness to address the current crisis in the state.
The veteran leader also touched on the pressing need to restore stability and assured that Congress, if elected, would work swiftly to organize local body elections. “If the Congress forms the government, elections for Autonomous District Councils (ADC) and Gram Panchayats will be held within three months,” he pledged, signaling Congress’s intent to reinstate democratic processes promptly.
Ibobi extended a warm welcome to returning Congress members L. Jayentakumar, Kh. Loken, and Kikonbou, calling the event a “homecoming ceremony.” He acknowledged that some party members had left Congress due to “unavoidable circumstances” but expressed optimism that they would strengthen the party’s mission to restore peace in Manipur.
The CLP leader said that only Congress has the experience and commitment needed to re-establish harmony in the state. With the return of senior members and Congress’s enduring popularity, he affirmed that the party is prepared to counter BJP policies and lead Manipur toward stability and growth.