Former Chief Minister O Ibobi criticised the state cabinet for not taking a decision on holding a Special Assembly Session to address the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
Speaking at the Congress Bhawan in Imphal, Ibobi who is also Manipur CLP leader emphasised that the floor of the House is the appropriate democratic forum to address the demands of the general public during the time of unrest.
Ibobi pointed out that the ruling BJP and its alliance hold a majority of 55 out of the total 60 seats, and the 10 Kuki MLAs, including two cabinet ministers, have not resigned yet.
Therefore, the demand of the 10 MLAs can be considered and discussed in the Assembly, he said, adding if the majority opposes the demand, they can be rejected democratically.
Ibobi mentioned that all five opposition MLAs from the Congress are ready to support the BJP if a decision is taken in the public interest.
He added that the Congress MLAs are even willing to make sacrifices if the ruling government initiates measures for the betterment of Manipur.
The Congress party has long demanded a Special Session, and a memorandum regarding this has been submitted to the governor. Ibobi asserted that if the cabinet decides to hold the Assembly Session, even the governor cannot prevent it.
Ibobi also criticised Union MoS RK Ranjan for blaming the previous Congress government, stating that the ongoing unrest is a result of their mistakes.
He expressed disappointment at such baseless allegations, particularly in the current circumstances and termed it "most unfortunate".
Following the Union MoS's announcement about the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur, the Congress had hoped that he would take the initiative to lead state political leaders in meeting the Prime Minister and other central leaders. However, according to the CLP leader, no such action has been taken.
