Lone LJP MLA joins BJP, Biren confident of BJP victory
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 11 2021: Karam Shyam, the lone Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) MLA in the State, has joined BJP.

The MLA who represents Langthabal Assembly Constituency was formally taken into the fold of BJP at a function held at the party's Nityaipat Chuthek office here this morning.

Among others, the function was attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda Devi, BJP National spokesperson Sambhit Patra and BJP General Secretary (Organisation; Manipur and Nagaland) Abhay Kumar Giri.

Later, a warm reception function was held at Lilong Chajing Mairenkhong under the aegis of BJP Imphal West District Committee where Chief Minister N Biren and many other BJP leaders were also present.

Speaking at the gathering, N Biren said that Karam Shyam and he became friends when he joined electoral politics in 2002 after giving up the profession of journalism.

Biren said that they worked together under DRPP before they parted ways in the course of time.

"We came together again in 2017 at the time of forming a new Government after I had joined BJP", Biren said.

Lone LJP MLA joins BJP, Biren confident of BJP victory

He then hailed Karam Shyam as a man of principle and integrity who is always true to his words.

Shyam stood firm for BJP at the time of election to the State's single Rajya Sabha seat.

But unfortunately Karam Shyam had to be dropped from the Council of Ministers during a reshuffle, Biren recounted.

"Even as I lobbied hard in favour of Shyam, luck was not in his favour as adjustments had to be made being a coalition Government", said the Chief Minister.

"As I was hurt deeply I could not inform him about the unfortunate development but he maintained that he was ready to make any sacrifice as long as there is a BJP-led Government", Biren continued.

Biren went on to say that he would never forget the love and respect shown by Karam Shyam.

He added that BJP would certainly show its gratitude to Shyam.

Remarking that his Government is about to complete its full five-year term on account of Karam Shyam's sacrifice, Biren asserted that the credit for enabling the BJP-led Government complete its term should go to the people of Langthabal AC.

People would have seen the changes brought about by the BJP-led Government during the last four years.

The Government was driven by a conviction to take governance to the grassroots level and every household, Biren claimed.

People should not forget the declaration made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Inner Line Permit System which was demanded by the people of Manipur since three/four decades back would be implemented in the State, he said.

"We should appreciate the Central Government for renaming Mount Harriat of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur in honour of the freedom fighters of Manipur who were exiled there by British colonial rulers", he continued.

If such developments must continue, people should support and vote for BJP, he asserted.

Biren went on to claim that BJP would win the forthcoming Assembly election by a considerable margin and retain power.

Karam Shyam said that LJP is now passing through a very turbulent period even though he was elected from Langthabal AC on LJP ticket.

Following the death of LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan, the party has now fragmented into two factions, he said.

Shyam claimed that he joined BJP after consulting with the people of 40 polling stations of Langthabal AC over a period of 20 days.

"In addition, I thought that there is nothing to be ashamed of in joining the party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi", he added.

"Biren is a close friend of mine.

Manipur had seen many Chief Ministers but he (Biren) is the only Chief Minister who has been working hard with all his wisdom and conviction for the integrity of Manipur", Shyam said.

He then called upon the gathering to support and vote for BJP in the next State Assembly election in order to ensure a strong and stable Government.

BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda Devi, BJP National spokesperson Sambhit Patra, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA N Indrajit, BJP Imphal West president Ph Phoni and many other BJP leaders were also present at the function.