Will Restore Special Category Status to Manipur if Voted to Power: Rahul

| SANJOO THANGJAM, IMPHAL - 20 Mar 2019

Will Restore Special Category Status to Manipur if Voted to Power: Rahul

By Sanjoo Thangjam, Special Correspondent, IOP, Manipur

Imphal, March 20, 2019: The Congress party will restore special category status to Manipur if voted to power at the center, said All India Congress Committee (AICC) Rahul Gandhi while addressing a mega rally at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal today.

Addressing the people at Hapta Kanjeibung during his two days visit to Imphal, touching upon yet another sensitive issue of Citizenship amendment Bill, Rahul Gandhi said, his party will never allow it to be passed by parliament as it is detrimental to the people of Manipur.

Rahul Gandhi said that Manipur is an important gateway for India and Asia under Act East Policy and alleges Prime Minister Narendra Modi of committing various blunders to Manipur.

He further sought to appeal to the regional sentiments, saying that his party will never attack the language, culture, customs and traditions of Manipur.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of trying to destroy the social and cultural ethos of the people of Manipur by imposing on them the RSS ideology.

The people of Manipur are close to Congress’ heart. During the Congress rule, it has always worked for the development of Manipur.

The Congress President called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s slogan of “Congress mukt Bharat” an expression of “hatred” towards the main opposition party. “However, Congress being a secular party would not even want the BJP finished” he said.

He further said that today India is facing job crises mainly due to the negligence of the present BJP government and further said that in 2018 there were crores of jobless youths in India which he said that the BJP is responsible for it.

Rahul Gandhi also pleaded to revive the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) scheme and North East Industrial Policy for giving a boost to the region’s security.

He further asserted that after the NDA government came to power, the Planning Commission which was set up for meticulously planned development, keeping in mind the special requirements of Manipur was replaced with Niti Aayog.

Speaking during the election campaign, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that during his time, the BJP called his government as 10% government, now until and unless 30% to 50% of the total amount of any government works have been paid no fund entitled are released.

He said, “I can openly say that the government takes 30% to 50% for every works”.

Okram Ibobi questioned the government of its achievement during the two years rule and ridicule the visit of the Union Ministers frequently but return without declaring any civilized and fashionable package.

CWC member, Gaikhangam while welcoming the gathering of the AICC President also haul over the coals the dictatorial outlook of the present government. The incursion to the freedom of speech, arrest of students for raising voice against the government and detention of Journalist under NSA for disparagement to the government was sternly criticized.

Before addressing at Hapta Kangjeibung, Congress President Rahul Gandhi met the students and youngsters of Manipur and interacted with them at Palace Compound. During the meeting, he said that the interaction with the youngsters of the state was very wonderful and said that he was very happy to see a lot of brilliant students of Manipur.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived at Imphal International Airport (TULIHAL) at about 4:30 pm yesterday. He was received by MPCC President Gaikhangam, CLP Leader and Ex-CM O Ibobi, sitting MPs Dr. T Meinya and Thangso Balte.

Attended by AICC General Secretary Luizinho Faleiro, who is in-charge of Manipur; Rahul Gandhi straight away from airport went to Bir Tikendrajit Park and paid floral tributes to martyrs at Sahid Minar. From there, after being received by Congress MLA AK Mirabai and MPCC treasurer K Ranjit, he then went to Ima Kheithel (Mothers’ market) and briefly interacted with the women vendors within the premises of the Mothers’ market.

Rahul then went to Congress Bhawan on foot from Ima Keithel (Mothers’ market) where he took the opportunity to interact with leaders of Block Congress Committee.

Later, before leaving the Congress Bhawan for Imphal Hotel (classic) where he stayed overnight, he conveyed a meeting with MPCC office bearers and CLP members.

Photo - By Bullu Raj, Imphal

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