BJP sounds 'pull out' threat

IMPHAL, April 29: BJP national general secretary PB Acharya today asserted that his party was ready to withdraw from the People's Front led by Radhabinod Koijam if the Government fails to redress the problems of the people. Speaking during a reception accorded to MLAs W Thoiba and K Raina who had joined the BJP recently at the residence of BJP president Meinam Bhorot at Nagamapal Meinam Leikai today, Acharya, however, said the party will continue its full support to the Government for the present. Acharya who is also the Northeast border State's in-charge criticized the People's Front Government of not working in the interest of its partners. He charged Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam with virtually turning the Government into a one-man show by keeping all administrative works under his control. Later speaking to the press, the BJP leader announced his party's support to the Samata Party candidate in the forthcoming Kshetrigao by-elections. The party will do everything at its level to defeat the Congress candidate, he added. He said that he along with State BJP leaders met the Chief Minister and discussed the policy programmes of the Government. Matters relating to forming a common minimum programme and improving the financial health of the Government were also included in the talks. Certain MSCP MLAs are in a dilemma due to the current turmoil inside the party. BJP will not further try to disintegrate the party. However, if the MLAs are willing to join BJP, the doors is open to them, he added. Questioning whether the Nipamacha led MSCP group is a partner of the Government; he however, said that BJP will not join hands with the MSCP which includes former Chief Minister Nipamacha and his former deputy L Chandramani Singh. Earliest during the reception, BJP legislature party leader RK Dorendro said they will work towards strengthening the party and serving the people. Stating that a comprehensive assistance from the Centre is needed in order to solve the financial crisis, law and order and insurgency problem in the State, he claimed that the assistance could be obtained only when there is a BJP led government in the state.