Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
IMPHAL: Former Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President, Shri Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday said more political leaders are likely to join the Indian National Congress in the coming days, as 11 prominent leaders from seven Assembly constituencies formally joined the party at a reception programme held at Congress Bhavan.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi said the induction marked the beginning of the Congress’ organisational expansion in the state and reflected a growing willingness among leaders to unite against the BJP.
Expressing concern over the prolonged crisis in Manipur, Ibobi said the suffering of the people remained unresolved despite the country’s ability to address external security threats. He alleged that the hardships faced by the people had been ignored for long and called for political change to restore peace and normalcy.
Highlighting the Congress’ legacy, Ibobi said the party played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle. He also credited the Congress-led UPA government under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for steering the country through a period of significant economic growth.
Referring to one of the new entrants, Ibobi noted that Th. Oxford Singh had earlier worked with former Congress candidate Seram Niken in the Thongju Assembly Constituency with the objective of defeating the BJP. He said the induction was part of the Congress’ efforts to strengthen its organisational base ahead of future political developments.
The programme was attended by Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gaikhangam, Inner Manipur MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and other senior party leaders.
List of 11 Newly Inducted Leaders:
Th. Oxford Singh (5-Thongju AC) – Retired District Supply Officer, FCS Department
Longjam Suranjoy Singh (6-Keirao AC) – Retired Assistant General Manager, Imphal Urban Co-operative Bank
Yengkhom Sanjeep Singh (9-Thangmeiband AC) – Retired Assistant Commandant, CRPF
Laishram Sashibhushan Singh (10-Uripok AC) – Advocate, Manipur High Court
B. Sarat Sharma (14-Yaiskul AC) – Retired Associate Professor
Th. Brinda Devi (14-Yaiskul AC) – Retired MPS Officer Kh. Devendro Singh (16-Sekmai AC) – Former MLA Kh. Gambhir Singh (16-Sekmai AC) – Former Executive Engineer, Power Department Md. Nasir Khan (30-Lilong AC) – Former Government School Teacher
M. Anwar Hussain (30-Lilong AC) – Former BJP Candidate Col. Mohd. Sahid Khan (Retd.) (30-Lilong AC) – Retired Army Officer
