Four Cong MLAs defect to BJP, lone TC MLA too joins BJP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 28 2017: With BJP successfully embracing four more Congress MLAs under its wings, the coalition Government led by Nongthombam Biren has further consolidated its position.

Moreover, the lone AITC MLA has also joined the BJP.

The defectors from Congress namely Sanasam Bira (Kumbi AC), Y Surchandra (Kakching AC), O Lukhoi (Wangoi AC) and Ngamthang Haokip (Saitu AC) were accorded a warm reception at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of BJP Manipur Pradesh today by Chief Minister N Biren, BJP Manipur Pradesh president K Bhabananda, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa and other BJP leaders.

State Congress president TN Haokip said, "Things have changed after the election.

Friends have become foes.

There is nothing called principle or ideology.

Those who crossed floor are not afraid of disqualification" .

Meanwhile, PDA Chairman and AITC, Manipur Pradesh MLA T Robindro (Thanga AC) too has joined BJP together with MPTC office bearers after abolition of the State unit of the party.

Altogether 28 Congress candidates were elected in the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election but six of them have defected to BJP.

NPP and NPF which has four MLAs each and LJP which has one MLA are partners of the BJP-led coalition as well as one Independent MLA.

Speaking at the reception function, Chief Minister N Biren claimed that majority of the Congress MLAs except a few support him in addition to the four MLAs who joined BJP today.

The coalition Government's primary objective is ensuring peaceful co-exist-ence of hill people and plain people.

BJP has nothing to offer to the Congress MLAs who have come within its fold.

They joined the party because they believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principle and leadership, Biren asserted.

Stating that there were policy failures/lapses on the part of the previous Governments, Biren cautioned that people may face some inconveniences on account of certain measures taken up by the Government.

Referring to the fatal bus accidents that took place between Makhan and Maram and Oinam recently, Biren informed that the driving licences held by the particular drivers turned out to be forged ones.

Burying the issues of such fatal accidents after payment of ex-gratia only led to more such disastrous accidents.

All driving licences would be reviewed and the licence holders would be given temporary licences so that they can continue driving.

If any one is found holding forged driving licence, the (forged) licence holder as well as the officials who issued such licences would be taken to task, Biren stated.

The facts about procurement and installation of defunct CCTV cameras at Imphal city would be known shortly.

"Regarding the ongoing investigation into the procurement and installation of traffic signal lights at Imphal city, some people came to meet me but I told them to present their points before the enquiry committee", Biren conveyed.

The mandate given to BJP by the people of Manipur was embedded with a message to change not only political parties but also to replace bureaucrats.

The Government must be pro-people.

If any citizen is harassed by civil servant or police, befitting action would be initiated promptly, assured the Chief Minister.

Himanta Biswa stated that the four Congress MLAs joined BJP without any condition.

Nobody believed that the indefinite economic blockade would be lifted.

Yet, the Government led by N Biren got it lifted, he added.

Claiming that the coalition Government has been working relentlessly to ensure peaceful co-existence of all communities in Manipur, Himanta Biswa sought full cooperation of civil society organisations and the public toward this end.

Now there are BJP Governments in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur.

The party will strive to establish BJP Governments in Tripura and Meghalaya too, Himanta added.

K Bhabananda said that there hardly any candidate who wished to contest election on BJP ticket in 2012.But today multitude of people are desirous of joining BJP.

It is like opening a floodgate.

O Lukhoi said that he joined BJP in the interest of Manipur and her people.

Y Surchandra said that there was no one who was not a member of Congress at one point of time or other.

As for BJP, it is the beginning, he added.

Ngamthang Haokip said that he joined BJP after knowing well that it (BJP) would not slump.

He said that Chief Minister N Biren extended help in the people's efforts to create Kangpokpi district.

Ginsuanhau said that an amicable solution should be worked out to the 'three Bills' .

Sanasam Bira said, "Let's forget and forgive what were stated or exchanged at the time of election" .

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