Mail News Service
\nImphal, Dec 8 : Rahul Gandhi General Secretary of AICC (I) during his one day visit to the state will open the state level convention of local bodies\u2019 elected members, local self governance and 16 flagship programmes of the UPA Government, being held at Palace compound on December 10.
\nTalking to the media President of MPCC (I) Gaikhangam, who is also Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home affairs said, Rahul Gandhi, icon of Congress Party, who has been projected as the future Prime Minister of the country has agreed to open the convention. The convention is the first of its kind, he added.
\nRahul Gandhi will arrive at Imphal airport around 11 am and move directly to the Palace compound. The agenda of the convention include, introduction of MPs, Ministers and office bearers of the Congress party to the visiting dignitary.
\nIf the SPG permits there will be presentation of guard of honour by about 300 Seva Dal workers of MPCC (I). Rahul Gandhi will address the crowd after the formal inauguration of the convention. The other speakers of the convention are Chief Minister O. Ibobi and Faleiro Congress General Secretary in charge of NE region.
\nCongress President Gaikhangam will give the welcome address while the vote of thanks will be proposed by Phungjathang Tonsing Medical Minister. Congress President has assured to raise various issues that will be of importance to the state and its people during the course of his speech.
\nHe appealed to the people of the state to extend warm welcome during Rahul\u2019s visit to Manipur. He will be the future Prime Minister of the country and we can demand a lot from him.
\nWhen asked by a scribe whether Rahul will be available for meeting with representatives of civil organisations he did not give straight reply but added Rahul will return to the capital on the same day. But Rahul has assured to meet with about 200 NSUI and Youth Congress workers of the state, also said.
\nAsked about the significance of the visit, he said Rahul cannot come to the state quite often. We need to remind him the requirements of the state, he added. Gaikhangam scoffed at the allegation that the Congress party has politicalised the local bodies by inviting them to such convention being addressed by the Congress General Secretary. He added all the elected members of the local bodies need to be made aware of the importance of flagship programmes of the Union Government led by Congress party. He expects about 15000 people to turn up to welcome the visiting dignitary. Security arrangements have been tightened as Rahul Gandhi enjoys z plus security cover.<\/p>\n\n