This election is the right time to bid farewell to the present BJP-led governemnt in Manipur as it is an "anti-people and anti-development" party, Manipur Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gaikhangam said. He said it is like a dictatorial form of government as the people are deprived of their democratic and constitutional rights if they raise any voice of dissent.
The state Congress leader was speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Lhingkim Haokip of Saikul assembly constituency at her Koirengei residence, Imphal East on Monday.
Gaikhangam, who is also an INC candidate of Nungba assembly constituency, said the present period is crucial for people as they are going to choose their representatives. In a democratic country, the people are the owners of the country and as it is not feasible to make all the people sit inside Parliament or assembly, the peoples’ representatives are chosen through election, he said.
People should be cautious in casting their votes to choose the right candidate and right political party which could bring progress for the people and prevent further discrimination, said Gaikhangam.
This election is the right time to give a befitting response to the present government, as the present BJP government is not an inclusive government but an exclusive government that is a government under the interest of some people, he said. People should utilise this opportunity wisely during the time of election in order to bid farewell to the present BJP government, he added.
INC candidate of Saikul assembly constituency Lhingkim said that most of the candidates in hill districts do not conduct house-to-house campaigns. However, being a representative, a candidate should get along with the public in order to learn about their grievances, she said. In Saikul assembly constituency, there are 232 villages and how can an elected representative bring development and welfare for the people without understanding their grievances, she added.
The time has come for women to participate in politics, she said, adding, as women take a vital role in turning a house into a home, women’s participation in politics is vital to bring a developed society, said Lhingkim.
INC candidate of Phungyar assembly constituency Victor Keishing also attended the programme as a dais member.
