MPCC Ex-President Govindas Konthoujam joins BJP; CM N. Biren calls Govindas his long lost friend; Biren calls Congress, a bus with sleeping driver 

Ending days of speculation, Ex-President of Manipur Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, MPCC Govindas Konthoujam officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party  today. The Ex-Bishnupur MLA who had recently resigned from Manipur Legislative Assembly and from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress days after resigning from the MPCC President post was formally inducted into the BJP at the Party National headquarters in New Delhi this afternoon. Chief Minister Biren presented a welcome party stole, a bouquet and the official joining letter to Govindas in the presence of Union Minister of State RK. Ranjan, Rajya  Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba,  President of BJP Manipur Adhikarimayum Sharda, BJP Manipur In-charge Sambit Patra and other party leaders at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N. Biren claimed that other state MLAs are also joining the party very soon. He called Govindas his longtime friend since their membership together in the congress party before joining the BJP. On a sarcastic note, the chief Minister asked, if the driver is asleep, how will the bus move? Biren said that they had worked together in the past and will work together again to strengthen the party's foothold in Manipur to bring political reformation for the welfare of its citizens. Biren mentioned that Govindas was  to join the BJP earlier but couldn't owing to some inconveniences.

Chief Minister N. Biren lauded the BJP led Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving due emphasis on the North East region of the Country. He said that the BJP led Central government created history by recently appointing 5 political leaders from the North East states as Union Ministers. Biren also claimed that the BJP led State Government under the guidance and support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally restored peace in the state which was earlier plagued with violent incidents, fake encounters, General Strike, Blockade and unrest during the regime of the previous Congress government. He mentioned that it was the Prime Minister Modi led government that extended Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, for which people of the state will extend their gratitude to the centre by voting for BJP candidates in the upcoming general elections.

Welcoming Govindas Konthoujam to the party, BJP Manipur In-charge Sambit Patra said, Govindas is a well-known political figure in the region and his entry in the BJP is a boon to the party. He expressed happiness that a capable politician has joined the party. Speaking at the event, President of BJP Manipur Pradesh A. Sharda reiterated that people's faith in the BJP goverment is growing everyday owing to various welfare flagship programs that it has launched since it came to power. She heartily welcomed Govindas to the party and said that together, they will strive to ensure BJP's victory in the upcoming elections. After the reception program, Govindas Konthoujam along with N. Biren called on BJP National President JP Nadda.

It is worth mentioning that Govindas Konthoujam had won elections on Congress Ticket for 5 terms and he had cited personal reasons for leaving the party. Interim President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, MPCC N. Loken had stated that there is no way that the Congress Party will lose its strength because of losing Govindas and had claimed that the BJP led State Government might face turmoil in August. He had also refuted rumours on social media that around 8 Congress MLAs might leave the Party as baseless.

Meanwhile, there is heavy trolling on social media about N. Biren calling Govindas his friend on Friendship Day today. Netizens are also commenting about the fate of Intending Congress Candidate of Bishnupur A/C Oinam Nabakishore's political career upon Govindas' entry in the BJP. Some have even termed it as the murder of Nabakishore's political career.