Congress asserted that the statement issued by the president of the banned Kuki National Organisation on February 25, 2022 is a “direct and clear threat to the conduct of free and fair elections in the state of Manipur”.
TFM Report
Congress on Saturday demanded the election authorities to take action regarding the statement of the banned Kuki National Organisation, extending support to BJP candidates for the ensuing election.
“The Indian National Congress calls upon the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Electoral Officer to take the most serious and urgent note of this deliberate, dangerous, and diabolical statement that violates in unmistakable language the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct and take urgent action to ensure that fear spread by the statement of the President of the KNO is completely removed,” stated the representation submitted to the ECI and CEO of Manipur on Saturday.
Congress asserted that the statement issued by the president of the banned Kuki National Organisation on February 25, 2022 is a “direct and clear threat to the conduct of free and fair elections in the state of Manipur”.
Stating that the statement blatantly intimidates people to vote for the BJP holding out dire consequences to those who will not follow its instructions, Congress asserted that it has been issued with the full knowledge and connivance of the union home minister and the chief minister of Manipur.
Senior Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Salman Khurshid, and former chief minister O Ibobi submitted the representation to the CEO of Manipur.
Speaking to media persons, Jairam Ramesh contended that the development has been masterminded by the prime minister and union home minister.
” The prime minister came to Manipur on February 22, and the union home minister came on February 23 and the statement by KNO was issued by February 25. So there is no great mystery in this,” he added.
The senior Congress leader maintained the BJP is resorting to such tactics as they know that they are losing the election.
“So, hook or by crook they want to somehow spread fear and create an atmosphere of violence and intimidation,” he added.
The statement by the KNO president PS Haokip on Friday had stated:
“In line with the ongoing political dialogue between KNO and Government of India, the central government and ruling BJP leadership have promised swift settlement of Kuki political aspirations. Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shahji has announced the same in his public address on 23rd February, 2022 at Churachandpur public Ground. Therefore, KNO has resolved to extend support to all BJP candidates for the 12th Manipur Assembly elections.”
KNO also appealed to all chiefs, CSO leaders and all voters to support BJP candidates in all KNO operational areas.
“Any person or organization acting contrary to this appeal will be deemed acting against Kuki interest,” it warned.