Looking at BJP’s campaign points: Merits and Concerns

The Election Manifesto Sub-Committee of BJP Manipur Pradesh has been diligently working to develop a comprehensive manifesto by collaborating with representatives from various districts and mandals. They collected information through Public Aspiration Boxes from across Manipur, which consisted of the hopes and concerns of Manipur’s populace. These boxes were formally presented to Tarun Chug, National General Secretary (Incharge Manifesto) BJP, at the BJP Headquarters in New Delhi. Earlier, Asnikumar Singh, State Spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh, emphasized the significance of this endeavor, stressing the importance of integrating the aspirations of the people into the party’s manifesto-building process. This initiative resonates with the BJP’s nationwide program, “Your Vision, Your Dream, Your Manifesto,” which aims to gather the aspirations of the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The aspirations collected from Manipur reflect the desires and apprehensions of its residents and have been conveyed to the Central BJP Office in New Delhi by a delegation from the Election Manifesto Sub-Committee. The impression it wants to create is that BJP Manipur Pradesh is steadfast in its commitment to incorporating the voices and aspirations of the people into its roadmap for the state’s progress, ensuring a future marked by prosperity and development for Manipur.
Regarding the points that BJP Manipur’s manifesto might focus on, as reflected in its campaign posters, there is obviously going to be a strong emphasis on measures undertaken by the party to protect the rights of the indigenous people of the state through various measures. These include efforts to fence the entire Indo-Myanmar border, implementation of the inner line permit system to safeguard indigenous rights, and the suspension of the free movement regime. Most importantly, the deployment of BSF personnel instead of Assam Rifles for border security, collecting biometric data of those who have come across due to the war in Myanmar at border crossings, and taking steps to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Additionally, the highlights include a commitment to waging war on drugs and deporting illegal immigrants. It also includes initiatives such as naming Mount Manipur in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and commissioning a naval warship as INS Imphal.
However, there could be criticism directed against the list of their priorities for not addressing the suspension of agreements, despite being passed by the state government. While the manifesto’s focus on practical achievements and ongoing work is lauded, its oversight regarding the suspension of agreements is noted as a significant concern. The absence of a clear assurance from the central government regarding the removal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement could explain why the BJP manifesto does not address this issue. But, we do not know what truly is the case. Is it because it does not want to irk the Kuki voters? However, the manifesto raises several significant issues for the Congress party. Apart from SoO, all the points mentioned by the BJP are oriented towards a more conservative approach aimed at protecting the rights of indigenous people. This stance aligns with the demands of the general public, resonating strongly with their concerns.