Advani puts his weight behind Monika, Manipur

“I felt sad. Because of her — and Manipur — India could have earned a name in the Olympics going on in China. After the news of the doping controversy, it was said two days later that it was wrong,” said Advani.

In what appears to be part of a cleverly-crafted strategy to reach out to diverse groups, Advani on Wednesday addressed a function organised by a Manipur association. In the last few months, he has addressed meeting under the auspices of Church bodies, party’s minority cell and even managed to get superstars like Mammootty for his book-release functions.

“A great injustice has been done to Monika Devi. Manipur has an extremely healthy sporting tradition. How many people would be aware that the current Indian soccer team in the Olympics has as many as four players from the state,” asked Adavni. Recalling his rath yatra of 1997, the BJP PM candidate said: “How many people in Delhi, a country in miniature, would be aware of Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal, the two illustrious freedom fighters from the state,” asked Advani.