By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi kicked-off the party’s campaign for Lok Sabha polls by addressing a public meeting at the Wangjing Kadampokpi Ground in Thoubal district of Manipur on March 19, 2014.
After landing at the Tulihal airport, Rahul Gandhi headed towards the venue of the meeting in Thoubal district accompanied by Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
Besides Rahul Gandhi and O. Ibobi Singh, the public meeting was graced by the two Lok Sabha MPs – Dr. T. Meinya Singh and Thangso Baite, and the newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Haji Abdul Salam, INC North East Observer Luiziniho Felerio and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam. The meeting was attended by the Council of Ministers, MLAs, Congress workers and people from various parts of the State.
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi stated the achievements of the UPA Government in the last 10 years, particularly the improvement made in the two highways – 2 and 37, which are the lifelines of the State, and the future plans for Manipur, which included railway construction network to connect the state to the rest of the country, facilities for improving sports, instituting National Institute of Technology.
Criticizing Narendra Modi’s development model, Rahul Gandhi said, “He talks of the Gujarat model. But what does the Gujarat model have to do with Manipur? What does the Gujarat model have to do with Uttar Pradesh or Bihar or Meghalaya or any other state for that matter?… I respect the people of Manipur, and believe that the only model that should work for Manipur is the Manipur model.”
Stating that the people of Manipur and other NE States should feel at home in every part of the country, he said, “We look at one idea on top of the whole India. We want Indian ideas to develop from the ground level. We believe that the people of Manipur should feel at home in any part of the country.”
He further added, “We believe that every single idea that an Indian person has adds to the beauty of this country. There might be some disagreements between us but it is the philosophy of the Congress party to respect every single person. This is the basic difference between us and the principle opposition.”
He also recalled that in 1972 his grand-mother Indira Gandhi had visited Manipur and had participated in the function that gave Manipuri people their state. He said, “At that time she said that Manipur is the real gem and we wish that shines like one. This statement actually goes very deep into how she and the Congress party think about Manipur.”
“Not about just Manipur, but every single state of this country and every single person of this country. Every person regardless of where he comes from, which state he belongs to, what color he is, is a gem for this country,” he further added.
Rahul Gandhi appreciated the way several outfits had been brought to the national mainstream to engage in peace talks.
Rahul Gandhi skipped some of the key issues of the State in his 25 minute speech. He didn’t mention anything about the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. BJP has assured the Manipuris that the inhuman act will be repealed if it comes to power. He was silent over the demand for an “alternative arrangement” for the Nagas in Manipur, the frequent blockades along the Highways, or the issue of border fencing along the Manipur-Myanmar border. Political Analysts believed that these issues will have direct implication on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.
INC is fielding Dr. Meinya Singh and Thangso Baite as its candidates for the Inner Manipur (valley districts) and Outer Manipur (hill districts) Parliamentary Constituencies respectively.
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) is fielding former MP and President of AITC State Unit Kim Gangte and S. Manaobi Singh as its candidates for the Outer and Inner Parliamentary Constituencies respectively.
BJP’s candidate for Inner Parliamentary Constituency is former Registrar of Manipur University R.K Ranjan, and Former Professor of Manipur University Gangmumei Kamei for Outer Parliamentary Constituency.
Ten political parties, which included CPI and Manipur People’s Party, are fielding CPI leader M. Nara as their common candidate in Inner Manipur constituency.
The polling for the Outer and Inner Parliamentary Constituency will be held on April 9 and April 17 respectively. Counting of votes will be on May 16.