BJP suppressing democracy in Manipur, says Congress-led alliance, takes out rally

A day ahead of the second phase of Manipur assembly polls, members of the Congress-led Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance on Friday staged a silent “blind-fold” rally in Imphal, accusing the governing BJP of suppressing democracy to grab power, reports K Sarojkumar Sharma.

Leaders of the alliance categorically appealed to the people to vote freely without fear during Saturday’s polls. With the key target to defeat BJP, the alliance was formed last month by a band of six “like-minded” parties — Congress, CPI, CPM, RSP,

JD-S

and Forward Bloc.

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The protest came a day after Congress accused the BJP-led state government of releasing over Rs 16 crore to

Kuki

militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) to influence voting for BJP candidates. The rally was headed by AICC leader and in-charge of

Manipur Bhakta Charan Das

, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and senior legislator N Loken Singh and CPI strongman and former minister

Moirangthem Nara

Singh. Placards reading “Stop Poll Violence, Restore Peace”, “ECI Please Open Your Eyes”, “BJP, Stop Using SOO Outfits in Election” , “Stop Poll Violence ! Restore Peace!” were held by the protesters.