Manipur: 5 JD(U) MLAs merge with ruling BJP

The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly has approved the merger of the five JD(U) MLAs with the BJP Legislature Party.

As per a notification signed by the deputy secretary of the Manipur assembly, the approval for the merger has been given by the Speaker under the tenth schedule of the constitution.

The development comes as a blow to JD(U) in Manipur as earlier there were speculations that the five MLAs may break away from the alliance with the BJP given the fact that the JD(U) has walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The five JD(U) MLAs who are set to join the BJP are Kh Joykisan Singh, N Sanate, Mohammad Achabuddin, Th Arunkumar, and L.M. Khatue.

The five MLAs left for New Delhi yesterday from Imphal. They were scheduled to attend the national executive committee meeting of the JD(U) in New Delhi which is taking place today.

But now with the new development, there is a good chance that the five JD(U) MLAs may join the saffron party in New Delhi today.

Noteworthy here is that the five JD(U) MLAs who are currently in New Delhi have not reported for the JD(U) national executive meeting.

Meanwhile, Manipur JD(U) president has reportedly said that the legality of the merger would be explored by the party.

The remaining JD(U) MLA of Manipur Abdul Nasir is also in New Delhi.

Currently, it is not yet sure if he plans on staying with the JD(U) or if he is going to join his party colleagues in their migration to the BJP.

Along with the 6 JD(U) MLAs, the BJP-led government in Manipur currently has 55 legislators on the ruling bench.

It may be noted that while the BJP already has enough MLAs of its own to sustain its government, the fact that the JD(U) MLAs are set to jump ship to the ruling BJP, this is going to hurt the JD(U)’s prospects in Manipur.