The Hindu : National : Koijam joins NCP

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Sunday, Sep 11, 2005

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National

Koijam joins NCP

Special Correspondent

Radha Binod Koijam

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) received a boost in the North-East with the former Manipur Chief Minister, Radha Binod Koijam, joining the party here on Saturday.

Mr. Koijam, who headed a coalition Government led by the erstwhile Samata Party in the State, had quit the party two years ago. Mr. Koijam's induction into the NCP along with five others, including two former State Ministers, Maibam Kunjo Singh and Morung Makunga, was announced by the party general secretary, Tariq Anwar, at a press conference here.

Mr. Anwar said that with Mr. Koijam in the party, the NCP would gain strength in the region in general and Manipur in particular. With Assembly elections due in Manipur in February 2007, he said, the NCP would aim at emerging as the single largest party.

On his part, Mr. Koijam said Manipur was a "fertile ground" for the NCP to grow as a political party. "We expect to do well in the coming days and in Assam Assembly elections next year, we are equally hopeful," he said. Mr. Koijam criticised the Ibobi Singh Government in Manipur and alleged there was no governance as corruption prevailed at all levels.

The Manipur Government has not been able to take up issues concerning people such as repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act or on the demand of integrity.

On the demands over some territory in Manipur by the Naga groups, Mr. Koijam said the NCP would go by what has been mentioned in the Common Minimum Programme. "

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