Imphal, May 8: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Elangbam Johnson resigned from the party on May 8, alleging that the government had failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people amid the prolonged ethnic crisis in Manipur.
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| Elangbam Johnson addresses a press conference in Imphal after announcing his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party on May 8. |
Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Johnson announced that he was stepping down from both the party’s primary membership and his post as state spokesperson. He said the decision was taken after discussions with his supporters and workers in Keisamthong.
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“Since May 3, 2023, we have been unable to move in the direction of the people’s wishes. After discussion with my workers in Keisamthong, I have decided to quit the BJP,” he said.
Johnson, who contested the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections on a BJP ticket, stated that the government’s inability to respond to public expectations following the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state was the primary reason behind his resignation.
The ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of people across Manipur.
His resignation comes amid continuing political tension and criticism over the handling of the prolonged unrest and security situation in the state.
Johnson’s exit is seen as another political development linked to the ongoing crisis, which has remained one of the most significant challenges faced by the state government since violence broke out nearly three years ago.
