January 25, 2012
Ms. Mamata Banerjee campaigns in Manipur, captures the heart of Manipuris
With the campaign trail in Manipur, a new history was written as the Trinamool Congress took the first leap towards going national. Ms. Mamata Banerjee expressed her happiness over the achievements of her eight-month-old government in West Bengal and assured the people in Manipur that they will bring the lost-glory back.
By Pallab Ghosh, National Bureau, AITMC Web News
“If we come to power in Manipur, then I assure you that the days of the Draconian rule will be replaced by democracy. I know you all have had enough under the dictating government and no longer want to continue under the reigns of this Draconian rule. I assure you that the Trinamool Congress will work for the development of the state”, were the opening remarks of the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee at the campaign rally. West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee was on a dashing visit to Manipur. Ms. Banerjee who reached Manipur around afternoon called upon Manipuri civil rights activist, political activist, and poet Ms. Sharmila Chanu. She will return to Kolkata in the evening.
The state of Manipur is one of the beautiful states having a total area of 22,327 sq. km. Out of this only 2,238 sq. Km are valley while the remaining areas are covered with hilly tracts. The hills around the cup-shaped valley add to the natural beauty of Manipur. The hills are part of the Himalayas and are termed as Sub-Himalayan ranges. There are many mythical stories about the origin of the name Manipuri. Some link with the Mahabharata. According to them the name was derived from Mani, a jewel. In the Mahabharata, Manipur ( 'Mani' -Jewel, 'Pur'- City or place ), the remote north-eastern State of India, is mentioned as the meeting place of Arjuna, the third Pandava and Chitrangada, the crown Princess of Manipur. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore took the story of Chitrangada and into a magnificent dance drama. By virtue of its geographical situation, Manipur is a shining pearl in the Himalayan system. Manipuris call it as Meithei Leipak. In the valley Kongba (Imphal), Eeril and Thobal are the big rivers which originate from the hills and flow down into the valley and form the drain for all waters flowing into the valley carrying them off by Sagnu River through the southern ranges of hills further into the Ningthee. The Bark River flows through its western borders.
The Trinamool Congress is finally stepping outside Bengal making its presence felt across states like Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Punjab. The ball was set rolling with a campaign trail in Manipur which was addressed by the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee and Chairperson of the Trinamool Congress. According to the sources the Trinamool Congress is which has come to power in West Bengal by defeating the Left Front government in May 2011 id finally looking for options outside West Bengal and plans to contest elections across the states mentioned above. “We are very hopeful as the response in Manipur is immense. Not just the political arena but I find tremendous enthusiasm among the youths and women who are waiting with bated breath to catch the glimpse of Mamatadi”, said Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Derek O'Brien who is in Manipur. “People are aggrieved over the bad roads and poor development and I guess these are the issues on which they will vote for the change”, added Mr. Derek O'Brien.
The rally was jam packed with the locals across Manipur, some had even come from far and wide just to have a glimpse of Ms. Banerjee who has already cast her spell in the hearts of Manipuri’s as they may not have heard or seen much of her but are familiar with the name. Some even know that she is the affectionate ‘Didi’ to all.
Ms. Banerjee while delivering her speech made it clear that her party if comes to power will not only bring the waves of development in the state but also promote the state in every sphere. “I assure you that we will develop the state and implement all the good things that we are doing in the Bengal. I also assure you that if we come to power then the army rule will gone and I will see that you all live under peaceful atmosphere”, said Ms. Banerjee who maintained her conviction towards taking the state ahead. However, she did not forget to pay her tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who marched into Kohima and Imphal and wanted to go to Delhi, when he gave the slogan of “Chalo Dilli”.
Ms. Banerjee who addressed various issues from the podium expressed her concern over the poor situation across Manipur, “I want to ask the administration where is the 90 per cent subsidy is going to, why the condition of roads are in such shambles in spite of the amount given away b y the Central Government. I feel sad to see the corruption prevailing in the state and I want to assure you that we will bring back the lost glory of Manipur”. However, Ms. Banerjee did not forget to compliment the women in the state for putting up a brave and remarkable work in all spheres. “I am happy to see the women in the state are doing such hard work, I am proud of my sisters in Manipur and also I am proud of Manipur”, added Ms. Banerjee.
However, the rally had many interesting moments which. Ms. Banerjee adding her personal touch of warmth spoke a few line in Manipuri, “I learnt these few line while on my way to the state and believe me I will learn the language if I find time, however, I deserve some compliment on my achievement, what do you think”, smiled Ms. Banerjee who on another note while summing up her speech said Manipur is the land of Krishna and I bow my head in respect to you all. Ms. Banerjee in her style of oratory requested to vote the Trinamool Congress in power in the state, “Trinamool is for Manipur also, I want to see golden Manipur, when we began in Bengal we coined a slogan, Hare Krishna Hare Hare, Trinamool Ghare Ghare”.
