BJP to stake claim in Manipur

BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday said the party will meet Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla to stake claim to forming the new government in the state with the support of the National People's Party (NPP) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

"We will approach Governor Najma Heptulla seeking her to invite the BJP, supported by the NPP and the LJP, to form the government in Manipur," said Madhav.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 21 seats in the assembly elections held earlier this month, achieved the vaunted 31-seat mark earlier in the day with the support of its ally Naga People's Front (NPF) (4 seats), and the NPP (4 seats), LJP (1) and one Independent.

"I thank the NPP and the LJP for extending support to the BJP. I also thank the people of Manipur for having voted for change and progressive Manipur," said Madhav.

On the occasion, NPP National President Conrad Sangma said: "I thank the people of Manipur for voting for change in the state."

The Congress emerged as the single-largest party post-poll with 28 seats in the 60-member house but failed to garner support to form a new government.

--IANS

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