The Congress on Wednesday renewed its call for immediate assembly elections in Manipur, asserting that only a fresh mandate can restore peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.

Speaking at a state-level rally titled ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chor’ in Imphal, AICC in-charge for Manipur and party MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka said the people deserve the right to elect a new government.

“Our demand is simple — we want fresh elections in Manipur where people will choose their government and resolve the issues. There is no solution and no peace now. We will stand with Manipur and ensure peace and brotherhood return to the state,” Ulaka told the gathering.

He highlighted that despite the BJP and its allies controlling 55 of the 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly, the state has remained under President’s Rule since February. Ulaka also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the crisis, contrasting it with the visits of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to the state.

The Congress leader further announced a nationwide signature campaign from September 15 to October 15, targeting the collection of ten crore signatures to be submitted to the President of India or the Election Commission.

Earlier, AICC secretary Christopher Tilak alleged that the BJP government had committed the “maximum constitutional violations” in Manipur. He recalled that the party had recently organised a programme highlighting such violations, claiming that “as far as Manipur is concerned, the constitutional violation has been maximum in the country.”

The Congress reiterated its resolve to continue pressing the issue until elections are announced and a democratically elected government is restored in Manipur.