Former Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Okram Ibobi Singh today asserted that more political leaders would join the Indian National Congress in the coming days, as 11 leaders from seven Assembly constituencies formally joined in the party.
Addressing a reception programme organised to welcome the new entrants at Congress Bhavan, Ibobi said the induction marked only the beginning of the Congress’ organisational expansion in the state and reflected a growing desire among political leaders to unite against the BJP.
Expressing concern over the prolonged crisis in Manipur, Ibobi said the suffering of the people had remained unresolved despite the country’s capability to deal effectively with external threats. He alleged that the hardships faced by the people of the state had been ignored for a long time and called for a political change to restore normalcy.
Highlighting the Congress’ legacy, Ibobi said the party had played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle, with many of its leaders making sacrifices for the country’s independence. He also credited the Congress-led government under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with steering the country through a period of significant economic growth and development.
The reception programme was attended by Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gaikhangam, Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and other senior party leaders.
Among those who joined the Congress were former police officer Brinda Thounaojam, former BJP candidate from Lilong Assembly Constituency M. Anwar Hussain, and political activist Thingujam Oxford. Others inducted into the party included Longjam Suranjoy Singh (Keirao), Yengkhom Sanjeep Singh (Thangmeiband), Laishram Shashibhusan (Uripok), B. Sharatchandra Sharma (Yaiskul), Kh. Devendro Singh and Ghambhier Singh (Sekmai), and Advocate Nasir Khan and Retired Colonel Mohd. Sahod Khan, both from Lilong.
Oxford had earlier aligned with former Congress candidate Seram Neken in Thongju Assembly Constituency with the declared objective of defeating the BJP.
The induction of the 11 leaders is being seen as part of the Congress’ efforts to strengthen its organisational base in Manipur ahead of future political developments.