Will BJP's Kuki MLAs support NPF?
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 30 2024:
Even though BJP has officially declared its support to the NPF candidate in Outer Manipur PC, it is not yet clear whether the BJP MLAs belonging to Kuki-Zo communities would follow the party's line or act independently.
Incidentally, the ITLF issued an advisory notice on March 25 asking all the people belonging to Kuki-Zo communities not to file nomination papers for the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
It asked the Kuki-Zo people to exercise their right to franchise by voting in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 but abstain from contesting for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat.
Though no one from the Kuki-Zo communities is contesting the elections, it is not yet clear whether the Kuki-Zo people would exercise their right to adult franchise in favour of the candidates of their choice or support a particular candidate/party.
Moreover, the BJP MLAs belonging to Kuki-Zo communities feel that they ought to support the NPF candidate as the BJP high command has already declared its support to NPF, sources informed.
A meeting of Kuki-Zo MLAs was convened on the election matters at Guwahati on Thursday but Independent MLA Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu AC) and KPA MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (Saikul AC) did not turn up.
Subsequently, the meeting was closed by convening another meeting in the first week of April at Kangpokpi, said the sources.
Of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven belong to BJP.
They are; Ngursanglur Sanate, Letpao Haokip, LM Khaute, Letzamang Haokip, Paolienlal Haokip, Nemcha Kipgen and Vungzagin Valte.
MLAs Kimneo Haokip Hangshing and Chinlunthang belong to KPA while Haokholet Kipgen is an Independent MLA.