Yesterday, an independent candidate Nishikant Singh Sapam, who won the elections from Keishamthong constituency, extended his support for the saffron party.
Manipur’s election results have been announced and the BJP will retain power, albeit this time with a comfortable majority. While the saffron party has one MLA more than the majority of 31 in the 60-member assembly, the party has found support from its longtime ally Janata Dal (United States) who has announced it will support the BJP in forming a government. In a press release, the JD(U) also called on the BJP to respect the mandate of the people of Manipur.
“In the interest of the people of Manipur, the JD(U) has decided to support the BJP in forming the government. The JD(U) would like to appeal to the BJP to respect the party’s mandate and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people of Manipur,” the party said.
The JD(U) also announced that Khumukcham Joykisan Singh has been elected as leader of the legislative party and Ngursanglur Sanate as deputy leader of the legislative party.
“The JD(U) is pleased to announce that the party lawmakers have unanimously elected Khumukcham Joykisan Singh as the leader of the JD(U) Legislative Party in the presence of Afaque Ahmad Khan, National Secretary General, incharge North-East, Senchumo Nsn Lotha, Convenor, North East Executive Council, JD(U) and Aneel Hegde, National Returning Officer, JD(U). The JD(U) is also pleased to select Ngursanglur Sanate as the Deputy Leader of JD(U) Legislative Party and Mohd Abdul Nasir as the Chief Whip of the JD(U),” the party said.
Speaking to Financial Express Digital, Afaque Ahmad Khan said all elected MLAs met with party chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna yesterday and a decision was made to support the BJP in forming government. However, he ruled out being part of the N Biren Singh-led cabinet and said the BJP already has a majority.
Yesterday, an independent candidate Nishikant Singh Sapam, who won the elections from Keishamthong constituency, extended his support for the saffron party. The JD(U) has emerged as the third largest party in the northeastern state, winning six seats. The National People’s Party came out victorious with seven seats to secure second position in the polls.