BJP vice-president and actor Hema Malini arrives at Ningombam mini stadium in Thoubal on Thursday. Telegraph picture

Imphal, Jan. 19: BJP vice-president and actor Hema Malini today campaigned for party candidate Indira Oinam, pitted against chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Thoubal constituency.

Hema Malini did not speak much about politics, but charmed the crowd with her beauty and speech in Hindi.

“Support the BJP and everyone’s lives in the constituency will be changed for the better,” she said, addressing a rally held at Ningombam mini stadium at Thoubal.

The actor, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, arrived today and addressed five BJP election rallies in three districts of Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal.

The BJP is fielding candidates in 19 constituencies and Indira Oinam, an NGO activist, is the lone female candidate of the party.

This is the first time Hema Malini has come to the state for election campaigning. Before this, she came to perform at a programme at Imphal’s Iskcon temple a decade ago.

“I know you are here because you see me in films. I am also happy to be with you. Elect Indira and the BJP will take you forward. Manipur is a beautiful place and its people talented. They should get what they deserve,” she said.

“I see changes in Manipur over the past decade. However, the changes are not enough. The Congress is ruling both in Delhi and Imphal. There should be a lot more changes, which is not happening here. The state government could not provide basic facilities for the people,” she said.

Touching on the problem of insurgency, Hema Malini called upon armed groups to shun violence, join the BJP and have their grievances addressed.

“I hear of frequent bomb blasts, curfews and violence from a friend here in Imphal. People do not have drinking water and power supply, unemployment and poverty are rampant and children do not get quality education. I am really sorry that people have to live in a state of fear in the midst of all these sufferings,” she said.

The MP charmed the 2,000-strong crowd with her 10-minute speech. She began her speech with Manipuri words “Mayambu khurumjari” (my greetings to everyone), immediately striking a chord with the audience.

CRPF and police personnel were deployed at the venue for the security of the leaders.

“I support Indira. It was also lovely to see Hema Malini. I have seen many of her films; Sholay was the best. She is really beautiful,” Sanasam Sanathoi, 24, said. She even shook hands with the actor.