Ibobi accuses BJP of being authoritarian

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 28: Only a Congress Government can restore normalcy, peace and foster peaceful coexistence of all communities in Mani-pur, said former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the INC's 140th foundation day celebration at Congress Bhawan, Imphal today.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee organised the event. Its president, MLA K Meghachandra hoisted the party flag to mark the Indian National Congress' 140th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi said the country's freedom fighters fought the British under the Congress party and won India's independence.
The Congress as a party still stands today to save and protect the Constitution and democracy, he added.
The fate of the country's Constitution is uncertain at present under the BJP-led Government. There is apprehension if the BJP is trying to break India, Ibobi said.
Ever since the BJP came to power in Manipur, it has been behaving like a dictatorial regime. Only a Congress Government in Manipur and at the Centre can restore normalcy, peace and foster peaceful coexistence of all communities, Ibobi said.
India's economy under the BJP Government has deteriorated, and Manipur is suffering the worst, he said.
Ibobi then accused the BJP of trying to dismantle and undermine the federal structure of the country.
Instead of implementing new projects and schemes, the BJP is busy changing names of existing schemes and institutions, he said, referring to the recent replace- ment of MGNREGA by VB-G RAM G.
Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said there is no "idea of Manipur" at present and there is no peaceful coexistence in Manipur because of the administration's failure.
Under the BJP Government, there is division among the people of the hills and the valley. The valley people are unable to go to the hills and the hill people are unable to travel to the valley, he said.
The hills and the valley together form Manipur. The hills can not exist alone without the valley and vice-versa. To rebuild the image of a united Manipur again, the party workers must  work with sincerity and dedication, he said.
The Congress has huge roles to play in saving Manipur. The people are increasingly resting their belief in the party. The party must never lose the trust people have placed in it, he added.
He further alleged that the values of Constitution and democracy have eroded under the BJP Government, and accused the saffron party of undermining projects and schemes implemented by the Congress for rural development.
The replacement of the MGNREGA by VB-G RAM G is an insult to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. People must teach the BJP a lesson, he said.
Under the BJP Government, the Rupee has fallen in value against the dollar. One US dollar now equals Rs 81. This is not the sign of an improving economy, he said.
MPCC president K Meghachandra also spoke at the event and called on the party workers and people to support the Congress in the 2027 elections to bring about positive changes in Manipur.