MLA Robindro, ex-MLA Surchandra join BJP
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 20 2022:
Thanga AC MLA Tongbram Robindro, who was elected on Trinamool Congress ticket, along with former Congress MLA from Kakching AC Yengkhom Surchandra joined BJP on Thursday.
A reception to welcome the duo was organised at Thambal Shanglen of BJP, Nityaipat Chuthek here, which was attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh .president A Sharda, BJP Manipur Election in-charge Ashok Singhal, Union MoS Pratima Bhoumik and former party president Kh Bhavananda.
Speaking on the occasion, A Sharda expressed firm belief that BJP would win over 40 seats and become the single largest party in the upcoming assembly elections which will be held in two phases.
She then said that joining of MLA T Robindro and ex-MLA Y Surchandra will help in further strengthening of the party.
Recalling the words of the voters when she first contested the elections in 1995, the party president remarked that the people of the state have voiced their opinion that no other party except BJP can save Manipur.
She revealed her envy of PM Modi who is admired by all age groups in the country and all over the world, while adding that public service requires a selfless attitude, which the BJP government has proven to the people through its governance.
Regarding the increasing number of party candidates, Sharda noted predictions of other political parties that BJP will disintegrate once the distribution of party ticket begins.
However, BJP is simply allowing the individuals to express their democratic right to contest the elections.
Being a national party, it is disciplined.
Although there is possibility of discontentment and misunderstanding among workers when the tickets are distributed, everyone will continue to stay united and contest the polls as one united party.
Thus, BJP will win big both in the hills and the valley, she said and urged the people to help bring about the BJP government again for peace and development in the state.
In his speech, MLA T Robindro expressed his utmost admiration of BJP, while recalling his intention to contest the last election on BJP ticket.
However, as he failed to get the ticket, he joined Trinamool Congress and was elected as Thanga MLA.
He then said that he was able to join BJP due to the love and support of the people of Thanga AC, while expressing firm belief that BJP will form the state government again.
Explaining his reason for joining BJP, Y Surchandra clarified that he could not join the ruling party for a long time due to a Court case.
At the time, his heart was with BJP while his body was with Congress.
However, the problem was resolved on Thursday by joining BJP; he stated arid vowed to work hard to bring BJP back to power.
T Robindro was elected to the Manipur assembly in the 2017 elections from Thanga assembly seat in Bishnupur district.
Surchandra, a former IAS officer, was elected from Kakching constituency in 2017 on Congress ticket but Manipur High Court subsequently declared his election as null and void over non-disclosure of information in the election affidavit.
Union MOS Pratima Bhowmik later tweeted: "I welcome Shri T Robindro Singh, MLA of Thanga to the BJP Parivar.
The BJP Manipur is going from strength to strength due to people's belief in the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the great work being done by CM Shri N.Biren Singh ji in the state" .
"Inspired by the leadership of Adarniya PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, T Robindro Singh, MLA Thanga LAC, TMC & Y Surchandra, Ex-MLA, Kakching joined BJP at a programme today," Singhal tweeted.
The two leaders joined BJP on Thursday, 11 days after a senior tribal leader and a sitting Congress MLA Chaltonlien Amo of Tipaimukh Assembly constituency joined the saffron party.
Earlier also, several Congress leaders, including state Congress president Govindas Konthoujam and a few MLAs, joined the BJP.
After 15 years, the Congress desplte emerging as the single-largest party with 28 seats, was ousted by the BJP-led alliance in the 2017, Assembly polls.
The saffron party, which had bagged 21 seats, stitched together a coalition government with the support of four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, as many Naga People's Front (NPF) members, the lone Trinamool Congress MLA and an Independent member.
The elections to the 60-member Manipur assembly would be held in two phases on February 27 and March 3 .
The counting of votes will take place on March 10 .