Imphal, Aug 05: National general secretary of Janata Dal (United) Arun Kumar Shrivastav has hinted at the possibility of signing pre-poll alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) both of whom are also NDA partners, for the forthcoming ninth general election of the State Assembly.

Talking to reporters at the Uripok Yambem Leikai residence of vice president of JD (U) State unit and and Ex-MLA N Nodiachand today, Shrivastav noted that BJP is the only partner of NDA in Manipur so there is a possibility of re-poll alliance with JD(U) for the forthcoming State Assembly election.

When asked whether there had been any talks with BJP in this connection, Shrivastav, however, replied in the negative, but hastened to add that chances for talks in this regard might come soon.

He further informed that JD (U) would be fielding 20 to 30 candidates in the election and ensure success of these candidates.

Newly elected president of the State unit party M Ibobi who was also present on the occasion said his party strongly oppose move being made by the Congress-led SPF Govt to hold election while it is still in power with the intention of remaining in power.

While questioning whether prevailing law and order situation is conducive enough for holding the elections, he maintained that results of the election held in such a situation would never be fair.

He alleged that the Govt sowing seeds of discord between National and regional parties in Manipur are trying to disallow one party from contesting the poll while favouring another.

Ibobi observed that dissatisfaction over the programmes and policies of the UPA Government at Centre among the parties which are lending support from outside has also come out in the open. How long the Government which could do nothing to solve the insurgency problem and initiate welfare measures for the people is not known, he added.

Attacking the SPF Government, he demanded to know what significant measures had been taken up by the Government for welfare of the people who have given it the power with the hope that it would solve not only the problem of insurgency but also numerous others being faced by them.

The State party president further informed that JD (U) is making efforts to join hands with other like-minded political parties to fight against the National political parties during the forthcoming Assembly election.

Later a party workers' conference organised by City District-II unit of the party was held.

Comment