IMPHAL, June 26: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President K. Meghachandra has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government and BJP MLAs from Manipur, demanding the dissolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the conduct of fresh elections.

Addressing the media at a press conference held at Congress Bhavan in Imphal, Meghachandra held the ruling party responsible for the prolonged crisis in the state and accused them of failing to restore normalcy despite the imposition of President’s Rule.

Speaking on the significance of June 25, 1975—the day the Emergency was imposed in India—Meghachandra questioned how it came to be labelled a “Black Day”, stating it was done with parliamentary support at the time. Drawing a parallel, he alleged that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi now faces an “undeclared national emergency,” marked by growing violence, suppression of free speech, and curbs on press freedom. He cited the arrest of journalists in Manipur as an example of the BJP’s effort to stifle dissent.

Highlighting the deteriorating situation in Manipur, he said the state continues to suffer from lawlessness, floods, and a growing financial crisis. Meghachandra blamed BJP MLAs for remaining silent in Parliament, which he believes contributed to the recent victory of Congress candidate Akoijam Bimol in the Lok Sabha elections. “The BJP MLAs are acting under pressure from the Centre and have failed to speak up for the people of Manipur,” he said.

He also alleged that the Constitution has been blatantly violated, fundamental rights have been curtailed, and freedom of movement has been lost. According to him, youth unrest and a lack of development since 2021 stem from the BJP’s misrule and failure to bring peace after two years of violence. “The Assembly must be dissolved and fresh elections must be held to give the people a real chance at peace and governance,” he asserted.

Meghachandra also drew attention to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, citing rising inflation despite Manipur being one of the poorest states in the country. He blamed the BJP’s mismanagement for the economic hardship facing citizens.

In a related development, Thongju Assembly MLA and senior BJP leader Thongam Biswajit had recently criticised Congress MP Akoijam Bimol, accusing him of making unfulfilled promises during the elections. Meghachandra dismissed the criticism as a diversion from the real issues, stressing that the crisis began under BJP’s leadership and that they must take responsibility.