Manipur Cong prez slams Santhosh’s ‘poll-driven visit’

Imphal: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, Keisham Meghachandra Singh, has criticized the recent visit of BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh to Manipur, labelling it as election-driven.Singh questioned the delay in conducting fresh elections in the state, given BJP’s inability to form a govt.

Congress has been vocal in its demand for the dissolution of the state assembly and the initiation of fresh polls. They argue that BJP has failed to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur, which has been embroiled in conflict since May 2023.During an event marking the 136th birth anniversary of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, at the Congress Bhawan, Singh criticized the visit of BJP leaders BL Santhosh and northeast coordinator Sambit Patra.He alleged that their visit was motivated by the 2027 elections rather than addressing the state’s pressing issues.“Their visit clearly reflects election motives as disclosed even by their MLAs. They have neglected the core issues of Manipur and are not serious about resolving the unprecedented crisis,” Singh said.He further accused the BJP leadership of failing to address the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who have been in relief camps since May 2023. “It’s almost three years, yet there is no initiative for dialogue between communities, no free movement, and no proper implementation of schemes,” he added.