"BJP’s political games more important than people's suffering"

NEW DELHI, Feb 16
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has accused BJP of priori-tising polls over Manipur’s crisis, saying Biren Singh’s exit seemed a last resort rather than an act of accountability.
In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times' Kumkum Chadha, Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from Manipur dissected the timing and intent behind Chief Minister Biren Singh’s resignation.
He questioned whether this move was a genuine step toward resolving the prolonged ethnic strife or merely a political necessity forced by circumstances.
Akoijam also accused the BJP of prioritizing electoral strategy over the suffering of Manipur’s people, arguing that Singh’s exit appear- ed more like a last resort than an act of accountability.
Reacting to Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resig- nation on February 9, 2025, after 21 months of ethnic violence, Akoijam called it a desperate attempt by the BJP to avoid further embarrassment rather than a step toward resolution.
Akoijam dismissed the notion that Singh’s exit was aimed at restoring stability. "This is not just a case of too little, too late. It is part of the same unfortunate saga we have witnessed throughout this crisis," he remarked, signaling deeper concerns over the BJP’s handling of the conflict.
He argued that Singh’s departure was not a voluntary decision but was forced upon him by BJP leadership in Delhi, including Amit Shah and Narendra Modi.
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam also accused the BJP of playing identity politics, alleging that the party polarized Manipur along ethnic and religious lines to serve its electoral interests.
He claimed that the BJP not only deepened the divide between Meitei and Kuki communities but also sought the support of armed groups during elections, all while portraying itself as the State’s defender.
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam acknowledged that imposing President’s Rule in Manipur was the most practical step at this moment, given the prolonged unrest in the state.
However, he maintained a principled stance against it, recalling Dr BR Ambed-kar’s belief that such a move should be reserved for the rarest of rare cases.
"In principle, I am against President’s Rule anywhere in the country. Babasaheb Ambedkar also believed it should be used only in exceptional situations," he said.
Despite his reservations, Akoijam asserted that this development would expose the BJP’s handling of the crisis.
“The party has no choice but to take responsibility for the consequences,” he added, suggesting that direct central control would lay bare the failures of the ruling party in addressing Manipur’s turmoil.
The Congress MP also accused the BJP of failing to uphold the Constitutional order, pointing out that armed groups are freely roaming with weapons while the Government remains a mute spectator.
"The Government of India must take immediate steps to rehabilitate the people in relief camps," he urged, emphasizing that thousands remain displaced and vulnerable. More than 60,000 people are languishing in relief camps.
According to him, a comprehensive approach—not just political maneuvers—is essential for lasting peace in Manipur. Hindustan Times