Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 10
In a significant boost to the Congress party in Manipur, nine persons, including ex-minister Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar and ex-candidate Oinam Romen joined the party on Thursday.
The new development came as Congress aims to build momentum in Manipur after winning both the Lok Sabha seats in the last election.
Notably, Jayantakumar was elected several times in the tickets of different political parties from Keishamthong assembly constituency and had held various ministerial posts in previous terms.
He fought the last assembly election on the National People’s Party (NPP) ticket, which he was defeated.
Meanwhile, the newly-joined Congress members were warmly welcomed by top Congress leaders, including CLP leader Okram Ibobi and AICC Secretary Christopher Tilak, at a function held at Congress Bhavan in Imphal.
AICC Secretary Christopher Tilak expressed optimism that the new members would strengthen the party's chance of defeating the BJP in Manipur and the Northeast region in upcoming elections.
He credited Rahul Gandhi's "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra" rally for energizing the party nationwide.
Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi slammed the BJP-led government in Manipur, alleging that its "War on Drugs" campaign had failed to deliver.
Ibobi also condemned the summoning of Congress MLA K Meghachandra by Enforcement Directorate (ED), calling it an effort to silence Opposition voices.