Ahead of the first phase of assembly elections in Manipur, the main opposition party, Congress, has heavily criticised Chief Minister N Biren Singh on his controversial statement of allowing Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) shops in the state if the BJP returned to power. Manipur is a dry state.
"I am deeply shocked and disgusted at the timing, manner and nature of the Chief Minister's announcement which will gravely menace the society in Manipur. It is extremely disastrous when the state is facing a big issue of drug menace. Moreover, the state government is still unable to control the free flow of drugs from neighbouring Myanmar," said Congress's Observer for Manipur, Jairam Ramesh.
During a BJP political rally on Thursday in Imphal East, N Biren Singh had said the state government would introduce IMFL shops if the BJP returns to power.
Mr Ramesh added that it is unfortunate that the Chief Minister is focusing on legalising liquor shops instead of focusing on urgent matters required to be taken up in the state such as boosting Covid vaccination and solving the issue of unemployment.
"The BJP is sitting in the departure lounge to take off from Manipur permanently. Their exit from Manipur on March 10 is inevitable," Mr Ramesh said.
Manipur will vote in two phases on February 28 and March 5 and votes will be counted on March 10, along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand.
"No Trust-Building": NDA Ally Tears Into Biren Singh Over Manipur Violence BJP's Manipur Ally Withdraws Support, Blames Biren Singh For Crisis In State Meitei Group Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum After Mob Attacks Biren Singh's House AR Rahman's Wife Saira Announces Separation After 29 Years Of Marriage Explained: Why Delhi's AQI Was 494 Today But International Monitor Said 1,600 Air India Flight From Paris Diverted To Jaipur, Fliers Sent To Delhi On Bus Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Why These Countries Are Preparing For War Italian Village Offers $1 Homes To Disappointed US Voters Post-Election Trump's Policies To Benefit India's IT Sector, Wipro Chairman Explains How Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.