Congress MP Bimol Akoijam slams Centre over fuel crisis, Census plan amid instability in state

Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Saturday, April 4 raised concerns over the proposed Census exercise and its potential implications for delimitation, citing the prevailing instability in the state.

Speaking to reporters at Congress Bhavan, Akoijam said the situation in Manipur—marked by large-scale displacement due to ethnic violence—poses significant challenges to conducting an accurate and inclusive Census.

He cautioned that discrepancies in population data could directly affect the delimitation process, potentially leading to disputes over political representation. The MP noted that the issue had already been flagged in Parliament, where he urged the Centre to adopt a cautious and transparent approach while proceeding with the exercise.

Akoijam emphasised that the ongoing humanitarian situation in the state must be factored into any nationwide enumeration process, warning that failure to do so could undermine the credibility of the data and its downstream implications.

The Congress leader also criticised the Centre’s handling of the emerging fuel supply concerns linked to tensions in the Gulf region. Referring to the government’s response, he alleged a lack of urgency in addressing issues affecting essential supplies.

In remarks directed at Narendra Modi, Akoijam accused the leadership of neglecting pressing domestic challenges. “We have been suffering for the last two to three years, but there has been no concern. The focus appears to be elsewhere,” he said.

The Indian National Congress maintained that both internal challenges, including prolonged displacement in Manipur, and external developments impacting fuel availability require immediate policy attention.

Party leaders stressed that ensuring stability in essential supplies and addressing humanitarian concerns in conflict-affected regions must remain a priority, particularly as the state continues to navigate a fragile security and social environment.