Setback for NPP in Manipur, Letpao Haokip joins BJP

New Delhi: The National People's Party (NPP) in poll-bound Manipur suffered a setback on Wednesday as its lawmaker from Chandel Assembly seat and state Minister Letpao Haokip jumped ship to BJP.

Haokip joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at its headquarters here in the presence of Manipur election party in-charge and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and others.

Welcoming Haokip to the party fold, Bhupender Yadav asserted the BJP government in Manipur has taken various developmental schemes to the grassroot levels in the last five years.

"Every section of the state is determined to go ahead along with the BJP," the BJP state in-charge said.

He also accused the previous Congress government in the Northeastern state of corruption.

Haokip, who shifted his allegiance, said he was inspired by the developmental works that were being carried out across the country, including the Northeast under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I feel that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah our NE and Manipur can progress more. They are taking our country to new heights," he said.

The Conrad K Sangma-led NPP is a part of the N Biren Singh-led government in Manipir as well as the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

Elections to Manipur along with Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Punjab are scheduled to be held early next year. (UNI)