In latest setback to Congress in Manipur, its MLA Ginsaunhau joins BJP

In the latest setback to the Congress party in Manipur, its MLA from Singhat assembly seat quit the party and has joined the BJP.

Ginsaunhau alias Haupu is an elected MLA from Singhat assembly constituency in Churachandpur district of the state.

Apart from Ginsaunhau, 14 other Autonomous District Council (ADC) members of Congress from Chandel district also joined the BJP this week.

Everyone was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, BJP state president Kh Bhabananda, ministers and parliamentary secretaries among other party leaders.

Ginsaunhau is the second Congress MLA to defect to the BJP after Andro assembly constituency MLA Th Shyamkumar.

Ginsaunhau with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh. Photo: Jit Ningomba.

SHYAMKUMAR LEFT CONGRESS TO JOIN BJP BEFORE GOVERNMENT FORMATION

Shyamkumar, in fact, had defected to the BJP even before the newly-elected MLAs of the 11th Manipur State Assembly Election were sworn in.

Chief Minister Biren Singh said, "Haupu joined BJP as he believes that the current coalition government led by us will deliver what it has promised. Just one month into office, the government has started taking serious measures to ensure transparency, bring equal development and welfare schemes for the people. His joining our party speaks for itself about how stable this government will be."

Reacting to the resignation letter tendered by Health Minister L Jayentakumar, the chief minister sought to downplay the issue, stating that the problem was nothing but a slight misunderstanding within the coalition.

Biren Singh added that more Congress MLAs would be joining the BJP in the days to come. He, however, declined to disclose their names.

(WITH INPUTS FROM JIT NINGOMBA IN MANIPUR)

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