The BJP is looking to form the next government in Manipur on its own. Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh told Bikash Singh that for the past five years, the BJP-led government had to face the “pushes and pulls” of a coalition government. He feels Manipur is witnessing pro-incumbency and said that he would work with the Centre for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (Afspa).
How was the first BJP-led government’s performance in Manipur?
With the blessing of central leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah and the support of the masses, I can conclude my five years’ term with peace, development and harmonious co-existence of different communities which was broken by the previous government in the last 20 to 30 years. In the past five years, we had a blockade-free, bandh-free and strike-free state. Youths are progressing towards development.
How many seats are you expecting? Will there be any pre-poll alliance?
Earlier, we got 21 seats and ran a coalition government. During that coalition, I faced a lot of problems, many times instability and push and pulls. Luckily, I managed to run government for five years. This time, we are expecting 40 seats, BJP alone. As of now, we are not going for a pre-poll alliance. However, as per the high authorities’ advice, we will follow the coalition dharma post-poll.
There is a demand for the repeal of Afspa in Manipur. Is that an election issue?
Personally, I am against Afspa. Before making any decision, we have to consider the ground reality. We have to keep the interest of the nation first. Some militants are there, some outfits are there and our state borders Myanmar. What happens if the ceasefire collapses. An atmosphere has to be created for Afspa’s repeal. I will work with the Centre for the repeal of Afspa so that it does not get re-imposed. My priority is to remove Afspa. However, I have to also see national security.
Why do you think people will vote for the BJP in the polls?
The BJP-led government has brought peace and development in Manipur. Earlier, by 5pm, everything was closed. Now see, people are moving till midnight. Shops are open and business is happening. Hills and valleys are united and there has been equal development in both areas. Youth and women are developing their own business. Our Covid-19 management has been good, we are doing everything possible for people’s welfare. People want safety, peace and development. We have delivered on these and people want us to come back. There is a pro-incumbency wave in favour of the BJP.
Will Biren Singh continue to be the chief ministerial face of BJP in Manipur?
You see, BJP is a very disciplined and well-organised party. The leadership decision is taken by the central leaders through a democratic process. I cannot say that I will be there, but as far as masses are concerned, they love me.
What’s your view on the allegation that the hills have been neglected and the valleys given priority?
Some questions were asked by the elected members from the hill areas. We gave a white paper and in five years, at least 45% of the budget allocation were spent on the hill area.
There is a spurt in violent activities in Manipur. Are militants getting stronger here?
Not at all. This is politically instigated. They want to show that since the Biren-led BJP government is claiming that the state is peaceful. The last time also, before the election, they were doing this. Suspected people are picked up. Drug addicts and peddlers create this problem.
How do you plan to reach out to voters?
Recently, the prime minister inaugurated 1,336 wi-fi connectivity in the state with penetration even in the remotest hill areas. We are planning and have started digital campaigning.
How was the first BJP-led government’s performance in Manipur?
With the blessing of central leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah and the support of the masses, I can conclude my five years’ term with peace, development and harmonious co-existence of different communities which was broken by the previous government in the last 20 to 30 years. In the past five years, we had a blockade-free, bandh-free and strike-free state. Youths are progressing towards development.
How many seats are you expecting? Will there be any pre-poll alliance?
Earlier, we got 21 seats and ran a coalition government. During that coalition, I faced a lot of problems, many times instability and push and pulls. Luckily, I managed to run government for five years. This time, we are expecting 40 seats, BJP alone. As of now, we are not going for a pre-poll alliance. However, as per the high authorities’ advice, we will follow the coalition dharma post-poll.
There is a demand for the repeal of Afspa in Manipur. Is that an election issue?
Personally, I am against Afspa. Before making any decision, we have to consider the ground reality. We have to keep the interest of the nation first. Some militants are there, some outfits are there and our state borders Myanmar. What happens if the ceasefire collapses. An atmosphere has to be created for Afspa’s repeal. I will work with the Centre for the repeal of Afspa so that it does not get re-imposed. My priority is to remove Afspa. However, I have to also see national security.
Why do you think people will vote for the BJP in the polls?
The BJP-led government has brought peace and development in Manipur. Earlier, by 5pm, everything was closed. Now see, people are moving till midnight. Shops are open and business is happening. Hills and valleys are united and there has been equal development in both areas. Youth and women are developing their own business. Our Covid-19 management has been good, we are doing everything possible for people’s welfare. People want safety, peace and development. We have delivered on these and people want us to come back. There is a pro-incumbency wave in favour of the BJP.
Will Biren Singh continue to be the chief ministerial face of BJP in Manipur?
You see, BJP is a very disciplined and well-organised party. The leadership decision is taken by the central leaders through a democratic process. I cannot say that I will be there, but as far as masses are concerned, they love me.
What’s your view on the allegation that the hills have been neglected and the valleys given priority?
Some questions were asked by the elected members from the hill areas. We gave a white paper and in five years, at least 45% of the budget allocation were spent on the hill area.
There is a spurt in violent activities in Manipur. Are militants getting stronger here?
Not at all. This is politically instigated. They want to show that since the Biren-led BJP government is claiming that the state is peaceful. The last time also, before the election, they were doing this. Suspected people are picked up. Drug addicts and peddlers create this problem.
How do you plan to reach out to voters?
Recently, the prime minister inaugurated 1,336 wi-fi connectivity in the state with penetration even in the remotest hill areas. We are planning and have started digital campaigning.