Imphal: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has once again voiced strong criticism against the ruling BJP government in Manipur, claiming that only the Congress can bring about communal harmony and ensure development irrespective of ethnic differences.
Speaking at a function held at the Congress state headquarters in Imphal, Singh accused the BJP of taking steps that have exacerbated unrest and division among the state’s communities.
“I firmly believe that there can be no peace, mutual understanding, and respect between the communities as long as the BJP government is in power in the state,” Singh declared, expressing concern over the growing rift between communities since the BJP’s rise to power. He further warned that the people’s belief under this governance would be that “Manipur will be finished”.
Singh, reflecting on the 2017 Assembly elections, pointed out that although Congress won 28 seats compared to the BJP’s 21 in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, the BJP managed to seize power by leveraging central influences. Singh described the BJP-led government as a “dictatorship”, criticizing its undemocratic tactics since taking office.
The former CM also expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP government’s failure to hold local body elections, a practice regularly followed by other states. He pointed out that instead of conducting elections, the BJP has been appointing administrators at their discretion, bypassing the democratic process. Singh’s remarks underline the growing discontent and political unrest in the state under the current leadership.
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