&w=3840&q=100)
Efforts underway to form popular govt in Manipur: Ex-CM N Biren Singh
Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said efforts are underway for setting up a popular government in the state, which is now under the President's rule.
Speaking at the sidelines of a programme at the BJP state headquarters here, Singh expressed hope that a new government will be formed in Manipur soon.
"We are working to form a government at the earliest. We are a national party. I have faith that a government will be formed soon after looking into the ground situation. The BJP and its allies want a popular government as well. We are working for the formation of a popular government," he said.
Singh said the BJP has not criticised anybody and is concentrating only on the present crisis.
"We are approaching the central government and concerned persons to bring an amicable solution and peace in the state. In the meantime, we are also working to form a popular government with frequent gatherings of MLAs. Everybody wants the restoration of peace. Peace is compulsory. In the last seven or eight months, there have been no reports of fighting between communities," the former CM said.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
The Centre had on February 13 imposed President's rule in Manipur after Singh resigned as the chief minister.
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
Singh said the central government is trying to restore peace in the state.
To a media query, he mentioned, "I have said earlier that illegal immigrants and drug cartels have affected the entire North East as well as the whole nation. Slowly, everyone has come to understand this issue. This change is a positive sign, and together we can fight these elements." Meanwhile, BJP Manipur unit president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, speaking at a book release function, said that it is not the time to discuss elections now, but it is the time to focus on peace initiatives.
She told reporters, "The people want a popular government. The BJP is trying to bring a popular government and will work to realise the desire of the people. It is not the time to discuss for election now. We must focus on the process and progress of peace initiatives. I want to appeal to them to understand the pulse of the people and work accordingly." Sharda also said, "The question of whether the BJP is united or not will be known gradually. There is something called slow and steady wins the race." A book on the Emergency was released at the BJP Manipur state headquarters in Imphal on Saturday.
Singh, in a post on X, said, "Pleased to release the book, 'The Emergency Diaries-Years that forged a leader" at Thambal Shanglen, Imphal today. The book offers a vivid account of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji's life during the dark period of Emergency and his resistance against tyrannical rule and oppression." Sharda, in another post, said, "This compelling work explores the untold stories of resistance during one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. It vividly captures the courage and conviction of Hon'ble PM, Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi ji, a young RSS pracharak then, his pivotal role in the fight against the Emergency." "A must-read for anyone who values democracy, resilience, and leadership forged in adversity," she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
19 minutes ago
- The Print
Patnaik expresses anguish over ‘terrible mess' during Rath Yatra, BJP hits back
'But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our state,' he said. In a social media post, the former chief minister said, 'All we can do is pray. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year.' He stopped short of directly blaming the administration but said it was impossible not to voice concern over how events unfolded. Bhubaneswar, Jun 28 (PTI) A day after Lord Jagannath's chariot failed to reach its destination on time during the Rath Yatra in Puri, political tempers flared in Odisha on Saturday with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik calling the delay a 'terrible mess', prompting the ruling BJP to accuse the opposition party of engaging in 'vicious politics.' Patnaik, currently recuperating at a Mumbai hospital after surgery, expressed deep anguish over the disruption. 'The Nandighosh chariot stood still at the Singhadwar till 7.45 PM, only to move a few metres before the day ended. This has left lakhs of devotees disillusioned,' Patnaik wrote. In his post, Patnaik recalled that it is hard to forget that last year Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' (procession on way to Shree Gundicha temple), a moment that left countless devotees shaken. Responding to Patnaik's remarks, state Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, without naming Patnaik, criticised the BJD for making 'political statements while recovering from jaundice,' implying that they don't understand the will of Lord Jagannath. 'In the past, the BJD government made mistakes and insulted Lord Jagannath. Since 1977, the chariots have always reached the Gundicha Temple on the second day,' he claimed. Harichandan also said this year's Rath Yatra had been 'incident-free' and warned, 'Those doing politics over the Lord's festival will face consequences—if not today, then tomorrow.' At a press conference, BJD vice-president Pratap Jena demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Law Minister Harichandan, holding them morally responsible for the delay and crowd mismanagement. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former minister Prasad Harichandan accused the BJP of sidelining experienced officials and letting party leaders handle the Rath Yatra arrangements. He also raised questions about the alleged influence of industrialist Gautam Adani on the scheduling of the chariot pulling. 'There were reports that Adani was to visit Puri and pull the chariot. Did the government postpone the pulling for his's visit?' he asked. Harichandan further cited a remark made by SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who reportedly said that perhaps 'the Lord chose to stay back as some devotees didn't arrive.' 'Who was that comment directed at? Isn't it a hint toward Adani?' the Congress leader asked. The Congress also demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged mismanagement, claiming that over 600 devotees were injured or fell ill due to overcrowding. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal rejected the opposition's claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. 'The Rath Yatra has been conducted transparently and successfully. Congress's allegations about Adani show their weak mentality,' he said. Biswal also accused the previous BJD government of failing Lord Jagannath during the Nabakalebar festival in 2015. Meanwhile, after being halted on the night of June 27 due to the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra getting stuck while negotiating a turn, the chariots reached their destination, Gundicha Temple, the deities aunt's residence around 1.30 pm. PTI AAM RG AAM MNB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
War of words as BJP youth neta held in Odisha over gold theft
Kolkata/West Midnapore: A BJP youth wing neta was arrested near Odisha 's Jaleswar while attempting to flee after stealing about 100 grams of gold from a jewellery shop, triggering a political war of words. According to sources, the arrested Somnath Sahoo is a resident of Midnapore's Habibpur area. The incident took place around 1.30pm on Thursday, when Sahoo stole ornaments from the Jaleswar shop and escaped in his SUV. A dramatic chase ensued as shop staffers and locals pursued Sahoo, ending with the latter's SUV crashing into a divider about 8km from Jaleswar, near Lakshannath Road area. Locals handed Sahoo over to the police. He was arrested on Thursday night. At a press conference in Kolkata on Saturday, Trinamool showed Sahoo's photos with BJP netas and claimed he was BYJM's district secretary. Making an indirect reference to how BJP had attacked TMC in the south Kolkata campus rape case using photos of the primary accused with TMC netas, party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: "BJYM neta Somnath Sahoo... was caught stealing in Odisha and it is all on CCTV. There is a photo of him with Sukanta Majumdar. So, did Sukanta Majumdar send him to carry out the theft? Was there some setting or sharing involved? BJP must clarify this. If these people can show Trinamool photos and make tall claims, why not clarify their own stance after being photographed with a dacoit?" You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "There is a photo of Sahoo with BJP MLA Hiraan Chatterjee as well. Police of a BJP-governed state arrested Sahoo. Hiraan and Sukanta must answer why they were photographed with him," Ghosh said and added that Sahoo's wife was a BJP candidate in Midnapore municipality elections. Countering Ghosh, Chatterjee said: "The photo was clicked ahead of the 2021 election. I was on the streets campaigning and thousands of people had come to see me, and took photos. It's not possible for me to know whether those taking pictures are thieves or robbers." "The arrest is laudable. BJP is in office in Odisha, but the state's police did not see political colour and I congratulate them for this," he added. BYJM president Indranil Khan, however, said that Sahoo was not an active member. "He didn't even apply for membership during our drive. He might have attended a few programmes and clicked some selfies but the party has no link with him now," said Khan.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Punjab govt ignored FIR, blocked action': ED ex-official says convicts named Bikram Singh Majithia
Mohali: Former ED deputy director Niranjan Singh on Saturday said that though SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia 's name had not emerged directly in the Rs 6,000-crore drug and money laundering racket which he probed, several convicted accused had mentioned him. Talking to media after recording his statement with the Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) in connection with the latest disproportionate assets (DA) case against Majithia, Singh said drug kingpin Jagdish Singh Bhola had also named the former Punjab minister belonging to the Shiromani Akali Dal. "Multiple accused took his name. I was pressurised at the time not to proceed further in that direction. The then Punjab govt ignored the FIR and blocked further action," Singh said. Niranjan Singh had led the investigation into the Rs 6,000-crore case, He added that despite the pressure, he continued with the case and secured convictions for 17 accused. "When I resigned in protest, the high court stayed my resignation and ordered me to carry on with the investigation," he added. Clarifying his appearance before the bureau, Singh said the present case pertained to disproportionate assets, but he shared the same foundational links to the earlier drug investigation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "I informed vigilance that all related documents and recorded statements are available in the ED's record room. They can access those records, and if needed, I am willing to assist again," he said. He reiterated his personal commitment to the fight against drug trafficking . "I stand with Punjab in its battle against drugs. I've always stood on the side of truth," he said. Majithia, who has consistently denied the charges, was recently arrested by VB from his Amritsar residence in a fresh FIR. He has been remanded in police custody for seven days. BOX The 6,000cr case On July 30 last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) special court found former deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Jagdish Singh Bhola and 17 others guilty in a massive drug trafficking case worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore The case, which surfaced in March 2013, came to light following the arrest of Canadian NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab Bhola, a dismissed DSP and Arjuna Award winner for his feats in wrestling, was subsequently arrested, sparking controversy with his allegations against prominent figures The case unveiled a major international drug trafficking racket, with Bhola's claims implicating high-profile individuals, including politician Bikram Singh Majithia.
