The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) marked the 140th foundation day of the Indian National Congress with a strong political assertion, declaring that only the Congress party is capable of restoring peace, stability, and development in the conflict-ridden state. The event, held in Imphal on Sunday, saw party leaders launch a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged failures.
Congress Reaffirms Ideals, Slams BJP's Governance
Addressing the gathering, MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra Singh recalled the historic journey of the Congress from leading India's freedom struggle to framing the Constitution. He stressed the party's enduring commitment to the principle of unity in diversity, justice, and democratic values. Singh asserted that Congress stands for harmony across all communities, religions, castes, and creeds, a principle he claimed is under threat.
In a direct critique of the incumbent government, Singh blamed the BJP-led administration for the ongoing turmoil in Manipur. He pointed to the violence that began on May 3, 2023, as a turning point and alleged that the state and central governments have failed on all fronts since then. A key failure highlighted was the non-implementation of the promised three-phase resettlement plan for the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Allegations of Multi-Sectoral Failure
The MPCC president presented a grim picture of the state under the current leadership. He highlighted several critical issues:
- Unemployment: Youth joblessness remains persistently high.
- Women's Safety: A pervasive sense of insecurity among women.
- Constitutional Violations: Grassroots democracy has been undermined by the failure to hold elections to local bodies, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
"BJP has failed the people of Manipur in every sector," Singh asserted, concluding that only a return of Congress to power could rectify the situation.
Eyes Set on 2027 Assembly Elections
Looking ahead to the 2027 Manipur Legislative Assembly elections, Meghachandra Singh expressed strong confidence that the Congress would form the next government. He based this optimism on what he described as widespread public dissatisfaction with the current leadership's handling of the state's crises.
This sentiment was echoed by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. He voiced optimism that the public's discontent could pave the way for the Congress party's return to power not just in Manipur, but also at the Centre. The leaders thanked the party's dedicated workers for their unwavering commitment to the Congress ideology during challenging times.
The 140th foundation day event thus transformed from a commemorative gathering into a robust political platform, setting the stage for Congress's campaign to reclaim its position in Manipur's political landscape by focusing on governance failures and promising a return to peace and constitutional order.
