Former Manipur JD(U) MLAs clarify on merger with BJP

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Sep. 6 (EMN): After joining the ruling BJP, former Janata Dal (United) MLAs in Manipur said they joined the saffron party on the mandate of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as they were elected under the NDA banner.

Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, MLA of Thangmeiband constituency said they joined BJP as they have no option since they were elected on the mandate of NDA.

When asked whether they would get any position in the BJP-led coalition government in the state, Joykishan clarified that there was “no precondition.”

Joykisan along with three other former JD (U) MLAs – Ngursanglur Sanate from Tipaimikh constituency, Thangjam Arunkumar of Wangkhei constituency and LM Khaute of Churachandpur constituency, arrived in Imphal along with the state chief minister, N Biren Singh from New Delhi on September 5.

 “We fought elections for NDA government. People have voted for us in the interest of the NDA. That’s the reason,” Thangjam Arunkumar said. LM Khaute also shared similar sentiment.

It may be mentioned that five out of six JD (U) MLAs of Manipur merged with the BJP amidst report that JD (U) had started the process to back out from the BJP-led coalition government in the Northeastern state. With the merger, BJP’s strength in the house of 60 members stands at 37.

Presently, Md Abdul Nasir of Lilong constituency is the lone JD (U) MLA in the state assembly.

The five MLAs who merged with the BJP were formally accorded warm welcome by the BJP president, JP Nadda, at his office in New Delhi on Sunday.

The state chief minister and BJP Manipur state unit president, A Sharda Devi, were also present during the formal reception.