IT News
Imphal, Dec 21:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K. Meghachandra today slammed the prolonged delay in conducting elections for the Autonomous District Council (ADC), terming it a violation of constitutional rights. He made the remarks during an interaction with the District Congress Committee (DCC) at Limkhu Inn in Chandel.
Highlighting that the ADC elections have been postponed for over four years, Meghachandra expressed concern over the adverse impact of this delay, particularly the withholding of approximately ¹ 500 crore allocated by the 15th Finance Commission for hill development.
Questioning the rationale behind government initiatives like “Go to Hills” and “Go to Village” in the absence of funds, Meghachandra stated, “These are appealing slogans, but the promised funds have been delayed due to the absence of elections, which is a clear violation of constitutional rights.” He further demanded clarity on the whereabouts of funds meant for the hill populace.
The Congress leader also criticized the delay in local body elections, which have not been held for 2-3 years, attributing it to stalled development. Taking a jab at the “double-engine” BJP government, he remarked that public expectations from the ruling party were unmet and called its governance a “total failure.”
Reflecting on the ongoing turmoil, Meghachandra remarked, “I have never seen violence of this magnitude in the state. While Manipur has faced difficult times before, the 19-month-long unrest is unprecedented.” He emphasized that the government has a responsibility to restore peace by promoting understanding and ensuring proper enforcement of law and order.
The Congress leader highlighted the devastating impact of the violence, stating that hundreds have been killed, thousands displaced, and people from districts like Ukhrul and Chandel severely affected. He stressed that enforcing the rule of law and taking firm action against those violating it could help restore peace.
Meghachandra also criticized the BJP-led government, claiming that people are disillusioned with its governance. “People have suffered under the BJP and no longer want such a government,” he said, expressing confidence in the Congress’s return to power in the next election.
Meghachandra was accompanied by several senior Congress leaders, including Md. Amin Shah, former MLA, S. Jiten Singh, General Secretary (Admin), PCC, Amir Hussain, General Secretary (Org), PCC, W. Shyamjai, General Secretary, MPCC, H. Meghechandra, General Secretary, MPCC, Siraj Ahmad, General Secretary, MPCC, M. Sarma Devi, President of the Congress Mahila, Anwar Hussain, Secretary, MPCC, Ksh. Kennedy, Secretary, MPCC, and Malemkhomba Salam, Chairman of Social Media and Mahila Congress office bearers.
