Why is Congress Criticizing Manipur Governor for Meeting Only BJP Leaders Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit?
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Synopsis
The Congress party's strong condemnation of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for favoring BJP leaders ahead of PM Modi’s visit raises serious concerns about political neutrality in governance. As tensions rise in Manipur, the implications of these actions could significantly impact the state's democratic processes and public trust.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla criticized for meetings with only BJP leaders.
- Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh calls it a breach of democratic principles.
- Excluding opposition voices undermines the credibility of governance.
- The SoO agreement has faced violations, increasing community vulnerability.
- Concerns about the Prime Minister's visit being a superficial gesture.
Imphal, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Congress party in Manipur has vocally rebuked the actions of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for convening meetings solely with senior BJP leaders and MLAs regarding the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state on September 13.
On Sunday, the Governor held a conference at the Raj Bhavan with prominent BJP members, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, alongside leading civil and security officials, to discuss the Prime Minister's impending visit.
Former Chief Minister and current Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh condemned the Governor’s decision to meet exclusively with BJP MLAs ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, describing it as a blatant disregard for the integrity of the constitutional role.
Singh, along with other party members, stated that this selective invitation undermines democratic principles and silences the voices of elected representatives.
“This meeting was a shocking display of partisanship,” he remarked, insisting that all MLAs should be part of discussions related to the ongoing crisis, irrespective of their party affiliations. Excluding opposition MLAs from such crucial conversations is an insult to the people of Manipur,” Singh asserted during a media briefing.
He emphasized that the Raj Bhavan must remain politically neutral, criticizing the management of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, which was originally signed in August 2008 during the Congress administration, and later extended after lapsing for almost a year. Singh alleged that successive BJP-led governments at both the Centre and the state have ignored numerous violations of the agreement's strict guidelines.
“Rather than referring issues to the monitoring committee, the previous state government passed resolutions to revoke the SoO for two militants. The Centre’s inaction has rendered local communities vulnerable while militants continue to operate freely,” Singh stated.
Discussing the Prime Minister’s visit, Singh remarked that it appeared to be “more of a tour than a mission,” suggesting that the focus was disproportionately on Mizoram and Assam instead of Manipur. He cautioned that a brief visit from the Prime Minister, lacking concrete assurances or a roadmap to end the violence, would indicate a neglectful stance towards the state's issues.
“The PM seems to think he can placate Manipur with a superficial visit, but the populace cannot accept empty gestures,” the former Chief Minister asserted.
He reiterated that while the Congress party welcomes high-profile visits, they must be accompanied by significant engagement and solutions.
Ibobi concluded by stating that both the Governor’s exclusive meetings and the Centre’s failure to enforce the SoO agreement have escalated distrust within Manipur.
“Disregarding elected representatives and not upholding agreements that safeguard our citizens diminishes the credibility of both the Raj Bhavan and the Central government,” he emphasized.
Singh was joined by Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam Gangmei, MLAs Lokeshwar Singh and Surjakumar Okram, former MLA Loken Singh, along with other senior Congress officials.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's actions. The preferential treatment towards BJP leaders raises questions about the impartiality expected of constitutional offices. It's essential for governance to maintain transparency and inclusivity, especially in states grappling with political unrest. Upholding democratic norms is vital for restoring trust among citizens.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Congress party criticizing the Governor of Manipur?
The Congress party is criticizing Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for holding meetings only with BJP leaders, which they believe undermines democratic principles and excludes other elected representatives from important discussions.
What was discussed in the Governor's meeting?
The Governor's meeting primarily focused on the preparations for Prime Minister Modi's visit to Manipur, scheduled for September 13.
What are the implications of excluding opposition MLAs?
Excluding opposition MLAs from discussions is seen as an affront to democracy, as it sidelines the voices of a significant portion of the electorate and can worsen existing political tensions.
What is the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement?
The SoO agreement is a pact originally signed in 2008 aimed at managing conflicts with militant groups in Manipur, which has faced numerous violations and lapses under successive governments.
How does this controversy reflect on the current political climate in Manipur?
This controversy highlights the deepening distrust towards the BJP-led government and questions the neutrality of constitutional offices, which is critical in a state experiencing significant unrest.
