JD(U) pulls out of BJP-led Manipur govt

IMPHAL: Taking a cue from the political development in Bihar, the Manipur unit of JD (U) on Monday withdrew its support to the BJP-led government in the state. This comes barely 10 days after five of the six JD(U) MLAs, who won in the state assembly polls in March, switched sides to the saffron party.
JD (U)’s state party president and former minister Ksh Biren Singh submitted a letter to governor La Ganesan pulling out of the government.
“Keeping the political development at the national level in mind, JD (U) Manipur has decided to withdraw the support extended to the BJP-led government in the state with immediate effect,” Ksh Biren said.
On the other hand, JD (U) appointed ex-minister Nimaichand Luwang as its chief coordinator (political affairs) of the Manipur state unit with immediate effect. A separate order to this effect was also issued by Ksh Biren on Monday.
JD (U) is left with only one legislator, Mohd Abdul Nasir, who won from the Lilong constituency in Thoubal district.
Nashir, who is reportedly attending to his ailing father outside the state, is unlikely to join the BJP. With the merger of the five MLAs – Kh Joykishan Singh, Ngursanglur Sanate, Mohd Ashab Uddin, Thangjam Arunkumar and LM Khaute – the strength of the saffron party in the 60-member Manipur assembly has gone up to 37.