Manipur BJP on Friday came down heavily on the election manifesto of the Indian National Congress (INC), terming it “bogus” and an attempt to mislead the people of Manipur.
In a scathing critique, spokesperson for BJP Manipur E Johnson while speaking to the media at Thambal Shanglen in Imphal highlighted a particular paragraph in the INC’s manifesto which promises the removal of the current Manipur government.
He described this promise as “self-contradictory”, pointing out that it goes against the INC’s pledge to safeguard the Constitution of India.
Further delving into the manifesto, Johnson expressed concerns over the INC’s assurance of bringing a political and administrative settlement in Manipur.
He suggested that this statement appears to align with the demand for a separate administration in Manipur by the Kuki community.
“The people of Manipur require clarity from the Congress party on this matter. Otherwise, it may be perceived that the Congress is endorsing the demand for a separate administration,” he added.
Another contentious point raised by the spokesperson pertained to the INC’s promise of a “final solution and agreement” with Naga groups, based on a preliminary agreement from 2013-14. He refuted this claim, stating that such an agreement never existed.
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“The last agreement with the Naga groups was in 2015. This highlights the Congress party’s lack of understanding of Manipur’s core issues,” he lamented.
Challenging the sincerity of the INC’s promises, Johnson questioned the absence of any mention of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the manifesto.
He recalled instances where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others opposed the NRC, while the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee declared their support for it.
“The people of Manipur are left confused, wondering whom to trust, the central leaders or the state Congress leaders?” he remarked.
Concluding his critique, Johnson accused the Congress party of “playing with the sentiments” of the people of Manipur through “false propaganda.”
The spokesperson urged voters to carefully scrutinise the election manifestos and make informed decisions during the upcoming polls.
