‘BJP ushered in a state of peace, normalcy’

After five years of political churn in Manipur precipitated by many opposition Congress MLAs switching sides and aligning with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), elections to the 60-member assembly are set to be held on February 27 and March 3. In an interview with Utpal Parashar, chief minister N Biren Singh spoke on the BJP’s poll prospects, his government’s performance and other issues in the northeastern state.

How is the campaign going on till now for the BJP? How many seats does the party hope to win?

We had to rely on virtual rallies and social media for the campaign as the Election Commission of India has put a ban on physical rallies in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are optimistic of winning more than 40 seats.

What do you think are your government’s biggest achievements in the past five years?

The BJP-led state government has achieved so many things in terms of governance, welfare activities and development projects, including infrastructure, besides an overall improvement in law and order.

Through the Go to Hills programme, we have achieved considerable progress in bridging the hill-valley divide..., while also balancing the development budget in these areas through increased funding.

Besides, the government has introduced several welfare schemes for the underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society, sportspersons, artists, etc...

We would like to hail the landmark decision of the government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the inner line permit system... One of the most important achievements is ensuring a bandh, blockade-free Manipur...

You have been vocal about repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa) from Manipur. But the BJP is the ruling party both in the state and Centre. Do you think this could impact voters?

Insurgency and Afspa have always been important issues. However, in recent times, we were able to bring insurgency activities to a bare minimum, ushering in a state of peace and normalcy. People are beginning to feel the change...

There have been several instances of violence in the state, including the attack on an Assam Rifles convoy as well as killings of political party workers. Do you think there could be more such instances in the run up to the elections? If so, could that impact polls?

Security has been beefed up in view of the elections, and we are in a state of high alert to prevent such incidents.

There has been no final outcome to the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community as well as passing of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill. Do you think both these issues could hurt BJP’s prospects in Imphal Valley as well as the hill districts?

It would not impact our prospects as people understand that these issues need careful consideration and consensus.