Manipur CM fires up Barak Valley rally, slams Cong

Silchar: Stepping up the saffron party’s high-decibel campaign in poll-bound Assam, Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday reached out to the electorate in Barak Valley, launching a scathing attack on the Congress for its “decades of neglect” toward the northeast.

Singh pitched BJP as the sole political force genuinely committed to the region’s stability and progress.Addressing two major public meetings in the Manipuri-dominated pockets of Rongpur under Udharbond assembly constituency in Cachar and Jaribond under Hailakandi constituency in Hailakandi district, Singh highlighted the transformative shift in governance under the BJP. He credited the party’s “double-engine” govt for strengthening connectivity, infrastructure, and cultural recognition of indigenous communities across the northeast.A key highlight of Singh’s address was the recent decision to accord the Manipuri language associate official status in Assam. “This historic move reflects the BJP’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the identity, heritage, and linguistic aspirations of indigenous communities,” Singh told the cheering crowd, urging them to vote for BJP candidates to ensure the momentum of development remains uninterrupted.

The CM also lauded the Manipuri diaspora in Barak Valley for their role in preserving their rich cultural tapestry. “Barak Valley has long served as a vital centre of cultural exchange. The people here share a deep, emotional bond with Manipur that transcends borders,” he said.Launching a frontal assault on the opposition, Singh alleged that under Congress regime, the northeast was relegated to the periphery of national priorities, leading to prolonged instability and underdevelopment.

He contrasted this with the BJP’s approach, citing the creation of the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a turning point for focused regional growth.Singh, who shared his personal history with the state, recalled his extensive travels across Assam since the 1980s. “My connection with the people of Assam is not just political; it is deeply personal and emotional,” he added.Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the public rally in Rongpur, Singh exuded confidence in the party’s electoral prospects in Assam. He asserted that BJP is set to return to power in Assam for a third consecutive term under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma.As the assembly elections draw closer (April 9), the BJP has intensified its outreach across 13 constituencies in Barak Valley — a region traditionally seen as a strategic gateway and a crucial factor in the party’s quest to retain power in the state. With senior leaders from across the northeast descending on the valley, the electoral battle in these constituencies is expected to witness a high-stakes showdown.