PRJA protests BJP’s plan to hold rally at Kangla

Imphal, Feb 16 :The Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), a political party co-founded by Manipur’s iconic rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, has lodged a complaint with the election authority in Manipur against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) proposed plan to hold Prime Minister Narender Modi’s rally in the state at Kangla Fort on February 25, according to a release.
It is clearly against the Election Model Code of Conduct guidelines which say there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda, says Media Manager Geetika Sehmay of PRJA in a press release on Thursday.
“The Kangla is a sacred site for us the Manipuris, especially the Meiteis. We will not tolerate a political slugfest inside the premises of the sacred Kangla. We are outraged as Manipuris that the BJP will even plan something so insulting to us!” adds PRJA party convener Erendro Leichombam.
In its complaint which was filed on Thursday, the party said that the decision to hold election rally of BJP at Kangla Fort, was a blatant violation of election norms as Kangla was a religious, spiritual and a place of historic significance to Manipur, especially to the Meiteis. Kangla, which is not only the seat of political power but also a holy place for religious worship and ceremonies, is also regarded the holiest place for the Manipuris. It is a centre of pilgrimage for all the Manipuris. It is also believed that there are more than 300 sacred places in Kangla.
“With all this in view, we would request the ECI to look into the matter. Therefore protecting the rules enforced under Model Code of Conduct of the ECI,”it added.
“The Election Commission of India has responded that they will look into the matter and respond within 48 hours.” It is clearly against the Election Model Code of Conduct guidelines which say there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda, says Media Manager Geetika Sehmay of PRJA in a press release on Thursday.
“With all this in view, we would request the ECI to look into the matter. Therefore protecting the rules enforced under Model Code of Conduct of the ECI,” it added. “The Election Commission of India has responded that they will look into the matter and respond within 48 hours.”
Sharmila files nomination
Meanwhile Sharmila filed her nomination papers to contest from Thoubal seat against State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh for the 11th state assembly elections scheduled on March 4 and the 8th.
After ending her 15-year fast on August 9 last year, Sharmila said she would take the electoral plunge as “an alternative move” to scarp Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Sharmila, 44, filed her nomination paper on Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), a political party co-founded by her along with Najma Bibi also representing PRJA who also filed nomination for Wabagai constituency also in Thoubal district.
On Tuesday, Convener Erendro Leichombam of PRJA party which has Whistle symbol, filed his nomination for Thangmeiband seat,formerly a BJP stronghold in Imphal West district.
Altogether five candidates including the chief minister, BJP’s L Bashanta Singh have filed their nomination papers for the Thoubal seat in Thoubal district. Chief Minister Ibobi won the last two elections from Thoubal with record margins.