Ibobi message on foundation day: state’s future lies with Congress
Imphal, Dec 29 : With an eye on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Manipur PCC today patted its own back for the “good job” done as party leaders, including chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, asked workers at all levels — the state, district and the block — to spread the message that the future of Manipur lies with the Congress.
“No other party can sacrifice more than the Congress leaders did for the country and no party can make any claim of achievement in Manipur other than the Congress. Spread this message to each voter to ensure victories in the Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seats in Manipur,” Ibobi Singh told a large gathering at the party’s rally here to mark the 123rd foundation day of the Congress.
The party was not making tall claims though.
Ibobi Singh’s Secular Progressive Front coalition is the first government to complete its full term since Manipur attained statehood in 1972.
The coalition with the CPI is completing two years in March in the second term.
“It is because of people’s support that the present government is completing seven years. It is only the Congress that can usher in political stability. Other parties do not have foundations. Tell this to the people in every nook and corner of the state,” Ibobi Singh told party workers.
The “massive” turnout during yesterday’s byelection in the Moirang Assembly constituency of Bishnupur district had demonstrated that the people of Manipur did not believe in violence, he said.
“The large turnout is a clean chit to democratic form of governance where people rule themselves through elected representatives and also a clear message of a big no to violence. The result will show whether the people still want the coalition government or not,” Ibobi Singh said.
The foundation day ceremony of the Congress held at Congress Bhavan, the party’s headoffice, is not only a show of strength but also marked the kick-off of the poll campaign for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
While the Congress painted Imphal city red with party flags and banners to mark the occasion, the rally in front of Congress Bhawan was packed with party workers.
Senior Congress leaders demonstrated a rare show of unity in front of party workers.
Manipur PCC president Gaikhangam, known for his differences with Ibobi Singh, today heaped accolades on the Ibobi Singh government for its achievements.
“The future of Manipur lies with the Congress. This has been shown by the seven-year rule by the Congress-led government under the able leadership of Okram Ibobi Singh. The achievements, made by the present government, are unparalleled in the political history of Manipur,” Gaikhangam said.
Gaikhangam sided with the rebel Congress legislators during the three-month-long abortive oust-Ibobi campaign nine months ago.
To add more teeth to the poll campaign, power minister Phungzathang Tonsing said: “Tell the people that all assets of Manipur have been created by the Congress and the party is intent to create more.”
Foundation day
The Assam PCC commemorated its 123rd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress (INC) with a daylong programme at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati.