Khemchand hits campaign trail in Assam wooing voters for BJP

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 5: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh campaigned for BJP candidates in Manipuri-dominated areas of Assam today.
The Chief Minister, along with seven MLAs and State BJP president A Sharda Devi, attended a public meeting at Rongpur, campaigning for BJP candidate Rajdeep Goala in Udharbond Constituency.
Later, the CM joined another campaign at Jaribon, under Hailakandi Constituency, for BJP candidate Dr Milon Das.
Elections will be held on April 9 to elect 126 members of the Assam Legisla- tive Assembly. The votes will be counted and the results will be declared on May 4.
Seeking to consolidate support from the Manipuris in the region, during the campaigns, Yumnam Khem-chand asserted that the BJP is the only party which says "India cannot develop without the North East."
Addressing the public meeting at Rongpur, Khemchand urged the Manipuris of Assam to place their faith in the Sarma-led BJP Government.
He said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made Manipuri language an associate official language of Assam.
Khemchand praised the Manipuris of the Barak Valley and said they have immensely contributed in safeguarding the culture and tradition of Manipur.
He said the people of Cachar have always helped Manipur in every issue including ILP and inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a leader who has safeguarded Manipur’s boundary.
Khemchand targeted the Congress and asserted that during its long rule, the North East States were neglected and it led to disturbances.
Congress has always given "step-motherly treatment" to the North East while the BJP has always worked for the welfare of the region. It was late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who started the DoNER Ministry for the development of the North East region, he said.
Recalling his old days in Assam, Khemchand said that he started the All Assam Taekwondo Associa- tion in 1982 and travelled to many areas of the State teaching the martial art.
“I went to Nalbari, Dibrugarh and Cachar to teach Taekwondo. Whenever the word Assam comes to me, it touches my heart,” he said.
Khemchand later campaigned for BJP at Laishram Khun, Jaribon under Hailakandi Constituency.
At Jaribon, he urged Manipuris to vote for BJP candidate Dr Milon Das.
State BJP president A Sharda Devi said Yumnam Khemchand is the third Chief Minister after late M Koireng and late Rishang Keishing to visit Jaribon.
During the campaign, BJP candidate Dr Milon Das promised Manipuri voters that he will work to fulfil the demand for a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam.
AGP State secretary Koijam Sapon Singh also spoke in the meeting.
Khemchand later visited the samadhi of late Naoria Phullo, a Manipuri social reformer, at Jaribon and offered prayer. He also spoke with his family.
After the campaign for the BJP candidate, Chief Minister Yumnam Khem-chand Singh posted on Facebook that Assam under the BJP-led NDA Government has seen significant development, urging people of the State to vote for the party in the elections on April 9.
On Facebook, he wrote, "At a public meeting held at Rongpur today, hosted by BJP candidate from Udharbond Constituency, Shri Rajdeep Goala, the overwhelming presence of supporters clearly reflected the strong confidence of the people in his leadership. The gathering was graced by the Hon’ble BJP State President, Hon’ble BJP Manipur MLAs and other esteemed dignitaries, further strengthening the spirit of unity and commitment.
"Over the past decade, the NDA Government in Assam has ushered in significant strides in infrastructure development and governance. With sustained efforts towards progress and decisive actions, including addressing the issue of illegal migration, Assam stands poised to emerge as a robust and dynamic State, not only in the North East but across the Nation.
"Let us come together to support this vision of growth and stability. Vote for BJP and be a part of Assam’s journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future."