SILCHAR, Nov 2 - Expressing deep anguish over the approach of the Congress Government towards the development of the Manipuri population in the State, Jiten Singha, chairman of the Manipuri Development Council, Assam said that Manipuris have been working tirelessly for the welfare of the State and in many constituencies including Hojai, Dispur, East Guwahati, Lakhipur, Borkhola, Silchar, Sonai, Dholai, Hailakandi and Patharkandi, the voters from the community pay a pivotal role in making the Congress party candidates victorious in elections.
But he regretted the fact that people belonging to his community have been largely deprived of the various schemes dished out by the Government.
Asked about his political ambitions, Singha said that the Congress high command had assured him that he would be given nomination from Lakhipur constituency in the ensuing 2016 Assembly elections, but now the party has made it clear that only sitting MLAs will be given nomination from their seats including Lakhipur.
�During the 2014 bypolls, I was asked to sacrifice my wish to contest for the interim period assuring that I would be preferred in the 2016 polls. But now the party and even the Chief Minister is singing a different tune which to me is largely disappointing,� said Singh.
He was quick to add that if the Congress party denies him the opportunity, he is ready to contest on an independent ticket and he will announce his decision on January 27 next year after a meeting at Fulertal on the occasion of the foundation day of the Council.
�For me interest of my community is the foremost priority and I cannot compromise with the aspirations of the people at any cost. 70 per cent of the Manipuri-speaking people in the State reside in Barak Valley and their votes will be a deciding factor in the forthcoming elections,� Singha said. He also gave an account of the utilisation of the various schemes by the Council meant for the beneficiaries.
