Senior Congress leader Saptagiri Ulaka has launched a sharp critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government over the potential continuation of President's Rule in Manipur. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for the state made these remarks upon his arrival in Imphal on Sunday.
Demand for Fresh Elections in Manipur
Ulaka stated the Congress party's position is unequivocal: they oppose any move to extend central rule in the northeastern state. He emphasized that the state assembly should be dissolved and immediate fresh elections conducted. According to him, this is the only democratic way to establish a government with a mandate to tackle the ongoing crisis in Manipur. He pointed out the irony that President's Rule persists despite the BJP holding an absolute majority in the state assembly.
Nationwide Agitation Against MGNREGA Changes
The leader's visit is directly connected to a major political campaign. The Congress Working Committee has decided to initiate a 45-day nationwide agitation protesting the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new legislation, termed the VB-G RAM G Act.
Ulaka leveled serious allegations against the new law. He claimed it severely undermines the fundamental right to work that MGNREGA guaranteed. He explained that the scheme has been converted into a centrally sponsored one featuring a "switch-off clause." This clause, he warned, permits the central government to discontinue the scheme arbitrarily, especially in states where it is not in power. He labeled this a grave injustice and vowed that the Congress would fight against it at every level, from public streets to the Parliament.
Preparations and Broader Accusations
During his stay in Manipur, Ulaka plans to hold a series of consultative meetings, press interactions, and outreach programs with senior local leaders. These efforts are in preparation for both the upcoming agitation and the potential political landscape for the 2027 Manipur assembly elections.
He further escalated his criticism by accusing the BJP and its associated groups of opposing Gandhian values. He alleged there are concerted attempts to distort historical narratives and weaken the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Shifting focus to another poll-bound state, Ulaka expressed strong confidence in the Congress's prospects for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, stating the party is well-prepared to secure victory.
Manipur Congress Protests Exclusion from Key Meeting
In a related development, Keisham Meghachandra, the president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, voiced strong resentment over a recent high-level meeting. The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss Manipur's situation, notably excluded elected representatives from the state.
Meghachandra noted that only the Governor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police were in attendance. He condemned this development, stating it undermines democratic principles and shows disrespect to the people of Manipur. He described the approach as dictatorial, asserting that Manipur does not wish to be directly controlled by authorities sitting in Delhi.
