The Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance (MPSA), the pre-poll alliance formed between the Congress and five left parties, on Saturday released its common agenda to defeat the BJP government at Congress Bhawan, BT Road.
The common agenda consists of 18 points that includes full implementation of article 371(c) of the Indian constitution, to protect the preamble of the constitution and to secure the territorial integrity of Manipur and its historical boundaries.
Addressing the function, CLP leader O Ibobi Singh said that to defeat the present BJP government, which was formed in an unconstitutional manner adopting the horse-trading method, formation of an alliance with like-minded parties is much needed.
Congress does not regret its inability to form the government in 2017 as politics is all about going up and down. However, forming the government by unfair means which is seen nowhere in a democratic country was adopted and that is very unfortunate. The democracy of the state would be diluted completed and become a dictatorial form of government at the end if such practices continue in the coming future, he added.
He recalled and alleged how the then governor of Manipur, who is regarded as guardian of the state, was even involved in the formation of this outgoing government. "It is the high time to uproot this government at any cost. The government is also keen in restricting the freedom of press despite the fact that it is fourth pillar of democracy," Ibobi said.
National Executive Member of Communist Party of India M Nara Singh said that the present unwanted scenario created by BJP-led government compelled them to form an alliance. As such it is historic moment to form the Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance which would help to save the future of the state from stake, Nara said.
The policies and programmes of the BJP government in the Centre is pro-corporate, anti-people, anti-poor and whimsical in nature, he added while stating that this alliance would surely bring a people-oriented and progressive government. But for this, support, love and cooperation of people of the state is highly needed, he added while seeking people's five year mandate.
All India Conference Committee election observer of Manipur Jairam Ramesh said that dedication would be made to form this alliance and end five years of darkness in the state.
"Congress believes in forming alliance and don't want to be anybody's B team. It is an alliance of like-minded political parties which will work on 3D approach. They are determination, dedication and discipline to defeat BJP and form a new government to protect democracy, diversity and constitution," he assured.
Some of the points mentioned in the common agenda are to provide unemployment allowance to the youth, to enact right to free healthcare law to benefit economically weaker sections of society, to fight against drug menace by implementing the law without fear and favour, to give free public transport to working women, girl child and school students.
It also aims to deliver welfare schemes for the poor, unorganised sector workers and assure a secure future for their families, to bring about sustainable economic growth in the next five years to deliver economic justice ensuring livelihood income to every family, to promote entrepreneur and all other professionals, to provide universal access to safe drinking water and uninterrupted power supply to every household, to make Manipur self-sufficient in rice production, guarantee procurement of farmers' produce and to ensure double and triple cropping.
Leaders of all other left parties also attended the launching function of common agenda.
It may be mentioned that the left parties that joined this alliance are CPI, CPI(M), Janata Dal (Secular), Republican Party of India, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and Forward Bloc.
