Remains ‘Undecided’ on future party affiliation
IMPHAL, March 2: Seven days after news of his resignation letter tendered to the Manipur Peoples’ Party had made headlines of most major dailies in the state, veteran politician and former opposition leader, Okram Joy today laid rest to speculations about his joining a national political party.
However, he showed optimism that he will continue to be in active politics and contest elections.
Addressing a press conference convened to announce the closing down of the MPP Langthabal Kendra this afternoon, O Joy had also hinted towards the formation of a new political party “if need arises.”
Following my resignation, there have been several speculations about my joining national political parties. However, it is still unclear as to which party I will join, he said.
“I am yet to take decision on this.”
A decision on my future political endeavour is likely to be taken during the next meeting of those who had resigned alongside me from the MPP and the workers, he continued.
The decision will be announced soon, O Joy expressed.
Addressing the conference called at his residence, he said even though Manipur is a small state, with less population; developmental works undertaken continue to be below par when compared to the bigger states of the country.
This is an indication of the existence of regional imbalance and economic desperation in the country today, O Joy said.
Further expressing his belief in regional interest and the national outlook, he said he along with his workers and supporters have always work towards achieving the two.
We will continue with the same and look for political parties with the same ideology, he said.
However, the next time, I contest election, it will be with a party which can form the government and not one in the opposition, he expressed.
Once he is among the ruling party, he will show the leaders on how to govern the state and for whom to work for, the veteran politician said.
Announcing the dissolution of the MPP Langthabal Kendra, he said he along with two other announced to resign from the MPP on February 23 following which a joint meeting of all members and officials of the unit was held at his residence this morning.
During the meeting, the members decided to resign from the central committee membership and district committee membership of the party and dissolve the Langthabal Kendra MPP, he announced.
The press conference was also attended by the various leaders of Langthabal Kendra MPP including president L Brajamohan; central committee member Ninthoujam Shamu; and vice president, Naorem Irabot; and former VP and present Zilla parishad Langthabal S Ronel who is also a Youth president MPP Langthabal Kendra.