"BJP has violated every rule in statute to retain power in Manipur," alleges Congress

The Congress party has accused the BJP of violating rules and alleged that BJP has used every "unethical trick" to retain power in the state. The statement came in the wake of all the four National People's Party MLAs, who earlier withdrew their support from BJP-led ruling coalition by N Biren Singh and on Thursday, returning back to the party.

New Delhi: Amid the political crisis in Manipur, Congress party, on Thursday, alleged that BJP has used every "unethical trick" to retain power in the state and during the process, it has "murdered democracy".

"Since the declaration of the election results for the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly, there has been a sinister efforts by the BJP to install their party in power. The BJP has violated every rule in statute, used every unethical trick in the Game, and misused the premier investigative agency to retain power in Manipur. And in the entire process, they have murdered the democracy," alleged Ajay Maken, who was sent to the state amid the political crisis as a Congress observer.

The statement came in the wake of U-turn made by all the four National People's Party MLAs, who earlier withdrew their support from BJP-led ruling coalition by N Biren Singh and on Thursday, returned back.

Reminding about the Assembly election results of Manipur, Maken mentioned that despite staking claim to form the Government in the state being the largest party in Assembly with 28 seats, Congress was not invited by the Governor.

He added, "The Governor acted in haste that she sworn-in new ministry on 15th March 2017 why is the life of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly was still there. The Governor even without dissolving the previous house while swearing in the new ministry committed constitutional impropriety just to ensure that bjp-led government is formed."

Maken accused the coalition government for having undemocratic functioning where all decisions were reportedly taken by the Chief Minister himself, without consulting the other ministers and MLAs.

The Congress leader also slammed the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly for "not conducting himself well" during the whole process. "He failed to take timely action on the various petitions filed under 10th schedule of Constitution so much so that the Honorable Supreme Court had to intervene," said Maken.

"Due to the acts of the Speaker, a total of 52 members, only out a total of 60 could cast their vote in Rajya Sabha elections," he alleged.