Irom slams BJP action in Manipur

Money and muscle power has helped the party to “usurp power”, says the activist.

Irom Sharmila

Internationally renowned human rights crusader Irom Sharmila has questioned the democratic convictions of the BJP, which has staked claim to form the government in her home State, Manipur. She has alleged that it is money and muscle power that helped the party “usurp power”.

Speaking to The Hindu after reaching a rehabilitation centre here where she will recuperate for a month, Ms. Sharmila said the BJP’s assuming of power in the north-eastern State would further erode its fragile socio-political equilibrium, already vitiated by the special powers enjoyed by the Army.

‘Communal designs’

The activist, who secured just 90 votes, also chose the occasion to appeal to major secular and democratic forces in the country to rally against the “communal designs of Hindutva forces”.

“Indian politics is turning extremely complex with communalists using facilities of corporate agendas to turn popular mandate in their favour. Political parties must engage in serious introspection about their follies apart from evolving strategies to counter the communal designs,” she said.

When asked about her future course of action, Ms. Sharmila said she would continue her struggle. “I am here for a month’s break. During this stay, I would ponder over the way I can continue the struggles,” she said.