The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today observed the 9th death anniversary of former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing at Congress Bhavan, where floral tributes were offered to his portrait in honour of his immense contributions to the state and the nation.
MPCC president K. Meghachandra, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi Singh, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gaikhangam, and other senior leaders joined party workers in paying their respects to the late leader.
Rishang Keishing, one of the tallest figures in the political history of Manipur, is remembered as the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state and the longest-serving parliamentarian from Manipur. He was the first Member of Parliament from the state to be elected to the Lok Sabha and also represented Manipur in the Rajya Sabha for two terms.
Recalling his life and legacy, CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh described Rishang Keishing as a statesman whose contributions had been widely acknowledged at the national level. “Everyone knows he was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Manipur and the first MP from the state in the first Lok Sabha. His efficiency and dedication were recognized by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who persuaded him to join the Congress Party, stating that leaders like him were vital for the development of the North East,” Ibobi said.
He further highlighted that Keishing remained unwavering in his commitment to the unity and integrity of Manipur. “His dedication to preserving the integrity of the state cannot be forgotten. Till his last breath, he reminded Congress workers that Manipur must remain united and that no compromise should ever be made on its territorial integrity,” he added.
Reflecting on the current political scenario, Ibobi Singh also criticized the BJP’s “Congress-mukt Bharat” campaign. He asserted that the future of the Congress Party lies in the hands of the people, not its rivals. “The people of Manipur have already shown their trust by electing Congress candidates in both Inner and Outer Parliamentary seats. Allegations and counter-campaigns by the BJP cannot decide the fate of the Congress—it is the people who will decide,” he remarked.
Other party leaders present also recalled Rishang Keishing’s lifelong service to the Congress and his unwavering sacrifices for Manipur.