Wahengbam Rorrkychand
Imphal, Dec 10: The declaration of 7 (seven) new districts in hush-hush mode by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi-led Congress government in Manipur amidst the ongoing demand and counter-demand for Sadar Hills district on December 8 is being hailed by many in the state. Inhabitants of the newly born Kakching and Jiribam districts were seen celebrating the historic occasion with pomp, while some beleaguered sections were seen falling dumbfounded with the ‘surgical strike’ from CM Ibobi. The move has actually created a positive aura of the government and Ibobi’s style of governance.
The creation of 7 (seven) more districts (Noney, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, Pherzawl, Kamjong and Tengnoupal) by splitting 7 (seven) existing districts of the state could be seen as a master stroke to quench the ceaseless demand and counter-demands for separate district status in the state.
Considering the nature and timing of the decision of the ruling government, some enthusiastic political pundits have the opinion that the Indian National Congress has acquired the weapon to thwart BJP’s NaMo mantra from reaching the state by breaching its 45 robust barricades (Congress MLAs) that spread across the nine ranges of Manipur.
In a tête-à-tête with President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), TN Haokip told this reporter early this week that the Congress party and members of Congress Legislature Party have faith in CM Ibobi’s leadership and incumbent state government.
The president of State Congress Committee also responded with confidence to a query regarding the prospect of Congress in the upcoming elections to Manipur Legislative Assembly that his party will get “absolute majority” to form government.
The statement of the President, MPCC is affirmed by MLA of Sagolband, RK Imo Singh, who is also the General Secretary (Admin) of the Pradesh Congress, and claimed that Congress party will unswervingly form its fourth government consecutively by winning 30+ seats in the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly polls expected to be held in the early part of 2017.
Terming the creation of new 7 revenue districts as a ‘brilliant decision’ of the state government, RK Imo said that the move is a ‘surgical strike’ against those opposing it. Creation of a district is the sole prerogative of the State Government and it cannot be done on grounds of caste, religion, community’.
However, he refused to consider Chief Minister, Ibobi’s master maneuver as Brahmastra, a fatal weapon created by Hindu lord Brahma used against specific intended enemy, for the Congress against arch rival party BJP to retain power for another term post polls in 2017.
“Good governance is the need of the hour and let’s hope we can see more in the future after the next election. Wish it was done earlier but nevertheless hats off to the Government,” commented the young legislature.
