By – Laimayum Bashanta Sharma
Imphal, January 10:
In the quiet shadows of Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak Meinam Leikai, a light has flickered out forever. Meinam Bhorot (Bhorot) Singh, eldest son of the late M. Ibomcha Singh and the late M. Ongbi Tombisana Devi, breathed his last on Thursday after a prolonged illness that tested this indomitable soul. At 75, he leaves an immeasurable void in Manipur’s political landscape—a chasm no successor can bridge. His passing silences a voice that echoed from RSS shakhas to state assembly halls, leaving us bereft. As his close associate and fellow traveler, I pen this shraddhanjali, weaving in his final words and our shared legacy.
Born April 7, 1950, in Imphal West, Oja Bhorot—fondly Bhorot-da—began with matriculation in 1965-66, PUC Arts at D.M. College in 1966, B.A. first year in 1968, and an M.A. from Kalyani University in 1976. Patriotism stirred him early: a 1968 national seminar at New Delhi’s Vishwa Yuvak Kendra on integration, a 1970 RSS-linked essay, and evenings at Lalambung Ching shakhas foreshadowed his ideological devotion.
Plunging into public life with Janata Party on RSS lines, he won as Ward Commissioner from Imphal Municipal Board Ward No. 3 in 1978. On September 25, 1980, he co-founded BJP Manipur with luminaries like late L. Raghumani Sharma, R.K. Dolansana Singh, Th. Yumjao Singh, and Dr. H. Borobabu Singh. His home became saffron pilgrimage: Kalraj Mishra, Khushabhao Thakreji, Ashok Kumarji, and Bansilal Soneji in December 1980; Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji’s lunch for 150 on May 7, 1981; Jaswant Singhji and late Sunder Singh Bhandariji’s frequent visits.As General Secretary and two-time President (1991-1996, 2000-2002), Oja Bhorot steered BJP through tempests, ensuring all karyakartas were treated with utmost respect. After my mentor Eigya Madhumangol Sharma Ji’s demise, he, alongside Shantikumar Sharma Ji, N. Ibohal Ji, Swargiya Ram Singh Ji, Th. Yumjao Singh Ji, Swargiya S. Tikendra Ji, Ksh. Bhabananda Ji, Swargiya Kh. Radhakiswor Ji, A. Sarda Devi, and T. Mina Devi, built BJP into a formidable force where it was once negligible. Youth leaders like N. Nimbus, Y. Nillamani, T. Shyamacharan, Swargiya E. Gopal, Swargiya Th. Shyamo, L. Deven, Swargiya Ch. Umakanta, and countless others cemented it as Congress’s alternative.
Under his watch, BJP opened its assembly tally in Yaiskul (1995, Kunjeswar Singh), hit six MLAs by 2000, and four in 2002’s ceasefire chaos—including his Thangmeiband win (A.C. No. 9), credited to Ravi Shankar Prasadji and Smt. Bijoya Chakraborty. Elevated to National Secretary (2003-2004) by Venkaiah Naiduji, he oversaw Arunachal; Rajnath Singh Ji’s 2007 home visit rallied workers.
Contesting Thangmeiband on the lotus—1984, 1995, 2000 (loss), 2002 (win), 2007, 2012 (losses)—he endured as colleagues like Modhumangol Sharma, Raghumani Sharma, and Dr. Borobabu drifted to presidency, Congress, MPP. A Core Committee and National Council Member, he served under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s Senior Citizens wing.
Oja Bhorot mentored me deeply. As spokesperson, he insisted I explain BJP’s commitments civilly, staying polite in TV debates: “BJP is cultured, promoting value-based politics—avoid slanging matches that tarnish us.” He warned against matching opponents’ heat, urging assertive politeness. I followed, earning his praise before leaders, urging them to emulate. Together, we attended national councils, state election committees, and organizational meets. Even ailing, he invited me home, urging me to record BJP Manipur’s history. I proposed a video interview post-recovery; it never happened. In his final days, his mind dwelled on BJP’s future, warning against misusing power, grooming karyakartas in ideology to avert embarrassment.
Today, Lamphelpat mourns, Thangmeiband feels orphaned. His once-buzzing home stands hollow, leaving no detailed family records but a legacy of loyalty outlasting defeats. Manipur BJP owes him its roots; the nation, an RSS-rooted patriot’s fire. You have left us, Oja, but your call for value-based politics among karyakartas will be honored. Om Shanti. Your lotus blooms eternal.