Although the main markets and shops in Imphal remained closed, thousands of BJP supporters lined up the road from the airport leading to the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex complex.
TFM Desk
Amidst the boycott call by the proscribed umbrella outfit Coordination Committee (CorCom) against his visit, Prime Minister Narendra landed in Imphal on Tuesday and addressed a packed Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex at Luwangsangbam, Imphal East.
Although the main markets and shops in Imphal remained closed, thousands of BJP supporters lined up the road from the airport leading to the sports complex. PM Modi even stopped his convoy and shaked hands with some of them.
Addressing a huge crowd of BJP supporters at the sports complex, PM Modi asserted that the “double-engine” BJP government will come back to power in Manipur with full majority.
Manipur is with the BJP. Addressing a huge rally in Imphal. https://t.co/yfLaczFXK1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2022
Through hard work, “we have laid a strong foundation for the next 25 years”, the prime minister said, and added that the upcoming election will decide the future of Manipur for the next 25 years.
PM Modi slammed the Congress, stating that “Congress does not understand the problems and issues of Northeast” unlike the NDA government, which considers the region crucial for India’s growth.
The long-standing demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP) by the people of Manipur was fulfilled by the BJP government, Modi said.
Precious moments in Manipur. Grateful for the affection… pic.twitter.com/ERopqqtVbg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2022
Appealing to the first time voters, PM Modi maintained that when they push the button of the EVM, they are proactively participating in the governance. Don’t waste this opportunity, he exhorted.
The process of stability and peace that started in the last five years has to be made permanent, he said and added that for this a full majority BJP government is necessary.
PM Modi said the stability and peace achieved in the last five years have to be made permanent, urging the people of the Northeastern state to re-elect the BJP government.
“Last month, Manipur completed 50 years of its formation. During this period, the state witnessed several governments and their works. But after decades of Congress rule, Manipur got only inequality,” he said.
The Congress had made bandhs and blockades part of daily lives in Manipur, affecting economic activities leading to shortages of essential commodities, which made people suffer, he said.
But, the BJP government made what was impossible possible and in the last five years, the “double-engine” government worked with sincerity for the development of Manipur, he said, adding that “you saw both good governance and good intention”.
“Several youths have left the path of violence and are now working for the development of Manipur,” Modi said.
The BJP government also ended the “loot” in the public distribution system of the state, built over 7,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and provided free LPG connections to around 1.5 lakh homes under the Ujjwala scheme, Modi said.
A total of 3 lakh homes in Manipur have pipe-water connections now as against 25,000 before the BJP came to power in the state, he claimed.
The BJP government brought Manipur into the railway network of the country as it considers the state as the gateway for trade and commerce with Southeast Asia, the prime minister said.
Soon, Imphal will be connected to the railway network, which will boost tourism and create opportunities for the state’s youth, he said.
At present, 40 national highway projects are underway in the state and when the highway connecting Myanmar and Thailand is complete, Manipur will become an important centre, he said.
“I have been able to serve Manipur because you have ensured a full-majority government in New Delhi as well as in the state,” he said.
“Elect a full-majority BJP government here once again, so that the violence, bandhs and blockades do not return to the state,” he said.