Dimapur (Nagaland), Jan 22 (UNI) Giving a major hint of its deeper penetration into Nagaland politics, the BJP on Monday embraced over dozen leaders and former lawmakers including a local heavy weight KL Chishi into its party fold.
Giving a major booster to the saffron party, which for long has been playing second fiddle to the regional player NPF, former Chief Minister KL Chishi joined the saffron party along with host of others in presence of senior party leader Ram Madhav.
At a simple function here, among others who pledged their loyalty to the BJP include former legislator Jacob Zhimomi.
Mr Zhimomi will be one of the ticket aspirants from Ghaspani-I assembly segment, sources said.
Other leaders expected to join the BJP include V Khashiho Sangtam (from Kiphire), Khehovi Sema and Kazheto Sema from both Zunheboto district, H Haiying Khimnungan and Dr Benjang Lam both Noklak, Lipokmar Tzudir (Mokokchung) and Kasheto Yepthomi (Dimapur).
Mr Chishi last week resigned from the Congress citing "trust deficit" as the reason and said he has faith in the leadership of BJP and its sincerity to resolve the long pending Naga political problem.
Mr Chishi had in his long political career had represented Atoizu constituency in remote Zunheboto district and also Dimapur-I assembly segments.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Madhav said the ensuing election in the state on February 27 will be crucial in terms of working for solution to the political problem.
"We are committed to bring peace and prosperity in Nagaland," he said.
Last week, former Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton had joined the BJP.
Nagaland along with Meghalaya go to the polls on February 27 while elections in the CPI-M ruled Tripura will be held on February 18.
UNI DEVN SHK 1816