Imphal, April 05: Despite the ban imposed by underground outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) on State Unit BJP president Th Chaoba and the party and despite the warning not to hold election meetings, canvassing and campaigning, two former Ministers along with other eminent politicians have joined the BJP boosting the morale of the party workers.

Ex-Ministers retired Colonel H Bhuban and S Biramani Singh, ex-commissioner Th Amumacha, ex-party general secretary N Mahendra Meitei, ex-party candidates John K Ngaihte and Md Habib Ali besides 51 active workers from the Muslim community joined the party today.

KYKL had passed the death sentence against the State BJP chief Th Chaoba and had also warned party functionaries and workers not to associate themselves with Chaoba against whom the outfit has levelled serious charges of indulging in anti-KYKL and anti-people activities.

Following the diktat of the KYKL, various party functionaries including its vice-president have resigned from BJP.

��With numerous political heavyweights joining the party, I have more confidence of my success (in the election)��, a delighted Chaoba said during a press conference at his heavily guarded Babupara official residence this evening.

Responding to a query, Chaoba asserted that the election campaigning for the party has been going on in full swing though covertly despite the ban.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang would also be arriving here on Tuesday to take part in a programme of the BJP, the ex-Parliamentarian said.

Though the number of his security escorts has been increased to 15 which include two personnel security officers besides deployment of CRPF personnel as his house guards, Chaoba, not wanting to take any chances said, �� Still I am not satisfied with the security arrangement��.

Ex-Minister and former State Unit party president H Bhuban, who was also present at the occasion, justified his decision to rejoin BJP and said that there had never been any ideological or philosophical difference between him and the BJP.

He said that he quit the party when the Centre announced extension of NSCN (I-M) cease-fire beyond Nagaland.

But within a very short time, the centre had retracted its stance and vowed to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur, he said.