BJP spokesperson quits party amid ongoing Manipur ethnic conflict

Elangbam Johnson resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party citing failure of the state government to meet people’s aspirations amid ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur since May 2023, which has killed over 260 people and displaced thousands

Imphal: Manipur BJP leader Elangbam Johnson quit the saffron party on Friday, citing the state government’s “failure” to honour the aspirations of the people. Addressing a press conference here, Elangbam, who fought the 2022 assembly elections on a BJP ticket, said he gave up the party’s state spokesperson post.

“Since May 3, 2023, we have been unable to go in the direction of the people’s wishes. After discussion with my workers in Keisamthong, I have decided to quit the BJP. I am tendering my resignation from the state spokesperson post and giving up party membership,” he said.

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The government’s “failure” to honour the people’s aspirations since the ethnic conflict broke out in Manipur is the main reason behind the resignation, Elangbam added. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.