By Santu Das
New Delhi, Dec 30 (UNI) The National People's Party (NPP) on Thursday categorically said that Manipur Minister Letpao Haokip jumping ship to the BJP will not have any impact on the coalition government-led by N Biren Singh in the state.
"We see the shifting of allegiance as individual reasoning. This is not going to stale any relationship at the combined government functioning in Manipur," NPP National General Secretary Mutchu Mithi told UNI.
The Conrad K Sangma-led NPP is part of BJP-led government in Manipur as well as the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
On Wednesday, Haokip, who holds the Sports portfolio, joined BJP at the party headquarters in the national capital, in presence of Manipur election party in-charge and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and others.
Haokip, who shifted his allegiance, said he was inspired by the developmental works being carried out across the country, including the Northeast under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mithi, who is the NPP state chief in Arunachal Pradesh, on the latest political development in the Northeastern state further said, "Every party has their own agenda and should fight for its own survival. We have our own agenda. We will contest maximum seats in the upcoming Assembly election.
"In the Manipur scenario, other than BJP, NPP seems to be the next alternative," he added.
Mithi also informed that NPP national president had already declared to contest the Manipur elections solo.
Manipur, along with the states of Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab and Uttarakhand, will go to polls next year.
UNI DS RJ