With just 3 days and 10 days to go for the outer Manipur and Inner Manipur Lok Sabha Poll respectively, political parties across the state are engaging in hectic poll campaign across the state. Promises after promises, criticisms after criticisms among rival candidates fill the air of Manipur. It is not only in this tiny state of Manipur but across the entire country that similar situation is notice. We are witnessing the biggest festival of democracy.
But the air is murky in the state of Manipur and the so call biggest festival gives neither joy nor hopes to the people. In outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency altogether 8 candidates are in the fray.
The Indian National Congress (INC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Naga People’s Front (NPF), National People’s Party (NPP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), North East India Development Party (NEIDP), Janata Dal United all field their candidate for the Outer seat. One Independent candidate is also contesting the election.
For the inner Manipur Parliamentary Election 11 candidates are in the fray. And the poll date is on April 18.
With the campaign gearing up by all the political party peoples’ mind seem to be diverted from where it should be not only for the state of Manipur but also from all the people of the North East.
People across the north East seem to forget that the entire North East, particularly the state of Manipur was nearly burnt due to decision by the political party in power at the Center (i.e ) that is the BJP. The decision to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 at turned the entire North East states into a battle field like situation with violent protest everywhere. The situation resumed to normalcy only after the BJP led government failed to table the Bill at the Rajya Sabha.
Leaving aside other issue, it is natural that CAB should be an issue for the state of Manipur and that of other North East state. Political analyst suggested CAB – an issue of the Lok Sabha Election. But surprisingly BJP President Amit Shah during an election campaign at Assam said that CAB will be introduced in the country if BJP comes to power. This was again followed by Ram Madhav , another leader of the BJP, while talking here in Imphal at Hotel Classic Grande during a so called “Intellectual Meet” of the BJP. He was quoted by newspaper and electronic media as saying that the CAB will not affect the state of Manipur or North East.
As for other political party particularly the Congress, it is clear that they will oppose tooth and nail if non – secular law like CAB be put up for passing at the Parliament. President of the Congress Party Rahul Gandhi during his visit in the state had stated that his party will definitely challenge if any party force to pass such a Bill.
The Communist Party, the North East India Democratic Party (NEIDP) and others whoever contesting the election make their stand clear on the issue of CAB. Yes, they will finally oppose the CAB.
So, if one takes a deep look into the political theatre, this lok sabha election should be between those who are against the CAB and those who are supporting the CAB.
What is more surprising the confidence of the BJP in this lok sabha election. If the party win and give mandate to their candidate it is a clear indication that the majority of the people support the CAB and the hue and cry was voice of the minority. This justification may not be correct as the candidates contesting with “no CAB” issue may get votes but if distributed to the 10 other than a minority but magic number may push the BJP candidate as its elected representative.
On the issue of CAB this news paper had time and again highlighted its probable impact to the people of the region.
