Manipur Congress blames BJP for delaying ADC elections.
Manipur is home to six autonomous district councils, each playing a crucial role in local governance and administration. These councils were established to provide a degree of self-governance to the tribal communities in the state, enabling them to manage their affairs more effectively. The councils are located in different regions of Manipur, including Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Kangpokpi. Each district council has the authority to legislate on specific matters, such as land use and local customs, thereby ensuring that the unique cultural and social needs of the tribal populations are addressed within the broader framework of the state government.
Imphal: The Manipur Congress has strongly criticized the ruling BJP government for its failure to conduct elections for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) over the past four years, labeling the administration as “anti-tribal” and “anti-hill people.”
In a recent statement on social media platform X, State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra expressed that the BJP government has purposefully neglected the needs and rights of the tribal communities by not holding ADC elections. “The BJP government is anti-hill people, anti-tribal, as this government has deliberately chosen not to conduct ADC elections for the last four years,” he stated, highlighting the prolonged delay in the democratic process.
Manipur is home to six autonomous district councils, which are vital for the governance and representation of the tribal population. The ADCs were established to provide a framework for local self-governance, enabling the communities to manage their affairs according to their customs and traditions. However, the lack of elections has raised significant concerns among local leaders and residents regarding the effective administration of these councils.
Keisham also criticized a recent resolution passed by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) under the Manipur Legislative Assembly. On October 14, the committee resolved to recommend the Manipur government conduct the long-pending ADC elections as soon as possible, following extensive discussions among its members. However, Keisham dismissed the resolution as “unconstitutional, illegal, and void of any source of law from the Constitution,” asserting that the HAC lacks the constitutional authority to pass such a resolution.
He emphasized that the last elections for the ADCs were held during the Congress-led government in 2015, and the term of those councils ended in 2020. The BJP government assumed power in Manipur in 2017, but since then, no elections have taken place, leaving the ADCs without elected representatives for four years.
“Temporary arrangements for functioning the ADCs through illegal means of selection by the BJP government must immediately stop in the larger interests of the people of the hills of Manipur,” Keisham urged. He pointed out that the current situation undermines the democratic rights of the tribal communities and erodes their ability to self-govern.
The Congress president further argued that the ongoing delay in holding ADC elections has serious repercussions on the financial governance of the hill districts. He claimed that the residents have been denied access to vital resources and funding opportunities that would typically flow through the ADCs.
The issue of ADC elections is not just a matter of political representation; it also impacts the socio-economic development of the hill regions. Many tribal leaders have echoed Keisham’s concerns, emphasizing that the absence of elected councils has stifled local governance and hindered the implementation of development programs tailored to the unique needs of tribal communities.
The criticism from the Congress party reflects a broader sentiment among tribal leaders and community members who are increasingly vocal about their demands for self-governance and representation. There have been calls for the Central Government to intervene and ensure that elections are conducted promptly, in accordance with the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
In recent years, the political landscape in Manipur has been fraught with tension, particularly between different ethnic and community groups. The call for ADC elections has become a rallying point for various organizations and political parties advocating for greater autonomy and recognition of tribal rights.
As the political climate in Manipur evolves, the response from the BJP government regarding the ADC elections will be closely scrutinized. Local leaders and communities are watching to see if the government will heed the calls for elections and restore the democratic process that has been absent for four years.
The Congress party’s criticism, coupled with the heightened awareness and mobilization among tribal communities, signals a crucial moment in Manipur’s political discourse. The demand for ADC elections may not only shape the future of governance in the hill regions but also influence broader discussions about tribal rights and representation across the state.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the government will address these pressing concerns. The situation emphasizes the need for meaningful dialogue and action to ensure that the voices of the tribal population are heard and respected in the governance process. As Manipur navigates these challenges, the outcome of the ADC elections could significantly impact the relationship between the state government and the tribal communities, ultimately shaping the political landscape for years to come.