Ibobi says ready for any penalty if proven guilty, ridicules BJP packages

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 14

Former chief minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh today reiterated that he is ready to accept any form of punishment if proven guilty of misappropriation of public money as charged.

Ibobi was addressing a gathering during a one day district level political workers’ conference of the Congress party at the community hall at Peace Ground, Churachandpur.

The conference organised by the district Congress committee was attended former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam, MPCC president T. N. Haokip, Lok Sabha MP Thangso Baite, Congress legislators including Sagolband MLA RK. Imo Singh, Tipaikmukh MLA Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, Karong MLA D. D. Thaisii, DCC members and party workers from across the district.

Questioning the feasibilities of packages announced by the BJP-led government, Ibobi suggested the ruling party that it would not be wise to “fool the people.”

Reacting to the recent announcement of chief minister N. Biren to set up medical college in Churachandpur district, he questioned whether the present government indeed has sent a proposal to the Medical Council of India (MCI).

There are certain norms for setting up of a medical college ranging from infrastructure to man-power and land, he illuminated and added that without fulfilling these first, getting approval from the MCI is virtually impossible.

Nevertheless, he assured to extend full co-operation to the ruling party if the promises made by the BJP were genuine so that the people reap the full benefit of the schemes.

He claimed that most of the projects and schemes which the BJP is claiming to be their architect were legacies of Congress government.

He questioned the commitment of the Union ministers of the BJP citing the failure of them (ministers) to announce a single package for the state or any of the districts despite their frequent visits.

Many Congress legislators who spoke during the event lambasted the highhandedness and intolerance of the BJP.

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said the BJP gives more respect to cows than humans and that it has now invaded the people’s kitchen.

He said that the claim made by the BJP that it has achieved more within few months of the then Congress government in 15 years is nothing but a “reckless statement.”

“We welcome change but in a positive way not destructive”, said Gaikhangam.

According to MPCC president Haokip, Modi will trip over in his own false promises made to the people and asked the people to be patient.

Citing the prevailing situation of the nation, Haokip contended that every initiative that Modi claimed would deliver a great deal has backfired.

“Agriculture sector has failed, economy is plunging towards downwards. The demonetisation has achieved nothing”, he said.

Thaisii and Thangso Baite, also rued the religious intolerance and imposition on culture and food habits of others by the BJP appealing to the people to vote for a party which serves the best interest of the nation.

The conference was marked by cultural extravaganza and speeches from other prominent Congress leader of the district.