The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has strongly rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allegations that Congress is responsible for prolonging the ongoing crisis in Manipur, calling the claims the “biggest joke of the century.” The MPCC argued that despite the BJP’s control over intelligence, security forces, and government machinery in the state and at the Centre, the party has failed to resolve the 20-month-long crisis.

In a press conference at Congress Bhawan, Hareshwar Goswami, Vice President of MPCC, questioned the BJP’s stance, stating, “If Congress were that powerful, what is stopping the BJP from resolving the crisis?” Goswami also criticized BJP Minister Govindas Konthoujam for accusing Congress of exacerbating the situation during a speech at the Gaan Ngai celebration in Kangpokpi district.

The MPCC also highlighted the efforts of Congress Legislature Party leader O Ibobi Singh, who had repeatedly urged Chief Minister N Biren Singh to act quickly and even proposed a joint meeting to address the crisis. Despite these calls, Goswami said, the BJP has continued to shift blame onto Congress.

Additionally, Goswami expressed concerns about the conflicting statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Singh regarding the causes of the crisis and questioned the delay in the release of the commission of inquiry report.