In a major political realignment in Manipur, three senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders — Y Surchandra Singh, L Radhakishore Singh, and Uttamkumar Ningthoujam — joined the Congress party, according to a statement issued by the party on Tuesday.
The three leaders were formally inducted into the Congress at a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi. Congress leaders, including MP and AICC Manipur in-charge Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka and Manipur Congress president K Meghachandra Singh, were present to welcome them.
The newcomers have substantial experience: Y Surchandra Singh is a retired IAS officer and former member of the legislative assembly from Kakching, L Radhakishore Singh a former MLA from Oinam, and Uttamkumar Ningthoujam a well-known personality from the politically influential Thanga constituency.
The defections are in the wake of a general backlash against the BJP's response to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which started in May 2023 and caused widespread violence, displacement and political turbulence.
The Congress leadership is of the view that the action indicates mounting discontent among party members with the BJP's centre and state leadership for failing to check the violence and establish effective governance.
Ulaka said the incoming members possess administrative and legislative experience and welcomed them as a "strong endorsement of the Congress party's vision for peace, unity and inclusive governance in Manipur."
Party insiders said that Surchandra Singh’s bureaucratic background and Radhakishore Singh’s legislative record would add strategic depth to the party, while Ningthoujam’s local influence is expected to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
Meghachandra Singh said the move reflected "the BJP’s eroding credibility" and indicated a public desire for leadership that champions harmony and democratic values. This development is seen as a boost for the Congress, which is working to rebuild its support base ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Also read: Indian Army and Assam Rifles hold joint ops in Manipur
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