Reacting to the controversial statement of Chief Minister N Biren who announced the establishment of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) shops in Manipur if BJP returned to power, AICC observer Jairam Ramesh on Friday lambasted the chief minister for his “disastrous” statement.

“I am deeply shocked and disgusted at the timing, manner and nature of the chief minister’s announcement which will gravely menace the society in Manipur,” the Congress leader said.

During a political rally of BJP held on Thursday in Imphal East, Biren stated that the state government would introduce IMFL shops if BJP is back in power.

Speaking to the media at the office of MPCC in Imphal West, Ramesh stated that the comment of Biren is extremely disastrous when the state is facing a big issue of drug menace. Moreover, the state government is still unable to control the free flow of drugs from the neighbouring country Myanmar, he added.  

It is unfortunate that the chief minister is focusing on legalising liquor shops instead of focusing on urgent matters required to be taken up in the state such as boosting of Covid vaccination, solving the issue of unemployment, farmers and others, Jai Ram said.

The chief minister should withdraw his statement and seek public apology for his irresponsible statement, contended the AICC observer.

As the BJP have foreseen their downfall in the ensuing election, the chief minister might have made such an extraordinary statement during the last minute of the election, he said adding such statement of the chief minister reflects the true choice and concern of BJP.

“BJP is sitting in the departure lounge to take off from Manipur permanently. Their exit from Manipur on March 10 is inevitable,” added Ramesh.

Asserting that unlike the cheap propaganda of the BJP, the Congress party gives full emphasis on women empowerment by making three big pledges, he said detailing that the pledges are opening of Ima markets in all districts, 33 per cent job reservation for women and expansion of network for reporting crime against women.  

Vice-president of MPCC Kh Devabrata claimed that many crimes are happening in the state after getting influenced by alcohol. The statement of the chief minister will be an act to increase such crimes, he asserted.

The Congress party will always stand against legalising liquor shops in the state, he added.

Northeast in-charge of AICC also lamented the BJP alleging that they believe in organising violence to threaten the voters and win the election using muscle and money power.

He promised that the Congress would ensure to deliver justice to the people of Manipur in all aspects once they are back to power and also to work as per the tune of the public wish.