IT News
Imphal, March 7:
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has announced its preparedness to contest the upcoming elections, asserting that the imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur reflects the BJP’s governance failure.
Speaking at Congress Bhawan in Imphal this morning, newly appointed AICC in-charge for Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and Nagaland, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, termed the situation unprecedented, despite the BJP and its allies holding 55 MLAs in the Manipur Assembly.
“A little too late, but despite having 55 MLAs, they were forced to oust N. Biren Singh. This is unprecedented,” Ulaka stated.
He argued that the imposition of PR highlights the BJP’s inability to govern effectively and maintain law and order, particularly in handling highway blockades and civil unrest. He further stated that the BJP’s claim to majority is no longer valid, as the party has lost the confidence of its own representatives.
Ulaka challenged the former BJP-led government, stating that any confidence motion would have exposed its lack of support. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the RSS of fueling violence in Manipur through a divide-and-rule policy.
Since the imposition of PR, Ulaka said the Congress has been closely monitoring developments in the state and is fully prepared for elections. He confirmed that the Congress Party is formulating a strong electoral strategy.
During the Political Affairs Committee meeting today, Congress leaders discussed election narratives, key strategies, and finding solutions to the ongoing crisis. Ulaka also raised concerns over the alleged misuse of MGNREGA funds and assured that the Manipur issue would be addressed during the Parliament Budget Session.
He emphasized that the Leader of the Opposition, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, had visited Manipur twice during the crisis, while Congress had moved a no-confidence motion in Parliament. However, he criticized PM Narendra Modi for failing to address the Manipur crisis in Lok Sabha, apart from a brief and unsatisfactory mention in Rajya Sabha.
The press conference was attended by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, CWC member Gaikhangam, MPCC President K. Meghachandra, and AICC Secretary Christopher Tilak, among others.
