IMPHAL, December 28: The 126th foundation day of the Indian National Congress was held today at Congress Bhavan organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.
Speaking at the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, said he is proud of being a member of the Congress because the party is one of the oldest and biggest political party in the democratic countries of the world.
Fortunately the SPF government led by the Congress has managed to rule for a complete two terms and executed several development projects for the welfare of the people, he said.
Opposition parties have been criticising the Congress party, Ibobi said and added such criticism has only been beneficial to the ruling party and helped it in smooth governance.
Stating the current SPF government have been laying emphasis on developing democratic institutions in both the hill and valley of the state, Ibobi said construction of mini-secretariats in every district of the state have been started and some of them have already been inaugurated.
As a part of developing democratic institutions, Zilla Parishad members have been elected in valley areas while ADCs have been formed in the hill area, Ibobi said.
While acknowledging the Opposition parties’ criticism that election to ADC members and Zilla Parishad members alone would not bring speedy development in the state, the Chief Minister maintained that such democratic institutions are revived as a part of controlling the fragile law & order condition of the state.
During the last 10 years rule, the SPF government had also laid more emphasis in improving education, health sectors and controlling law & order, he stated.
If the current government happen to remain in power, the next government would give more emphasis in improving agriculture, power and employment generation, Ibobi added.
Speaking at the function MPCC president Gaikhangam said Congress party stood for the welfare of the people and the party would continue to work for equal development of both hill and valley area of the state.
Touching on the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur, Gaikhangam said Congress party would always work towards safeguarding territorial integrity of state.
Expressing hope that Congress would do well in the upcoming election, Gaikhangam said Congress party would achieve absolute majority in the 10th state assembly election.
Today’s function was also attended by several ministers of the SPF government, MLAs and Congress leaders and workers.
Members present at the function observed a one minute silence in memory of the late members of the party and later honoured veteran Congressmen with presentation of a shawl and a memento each.