Regional parties in Manipur decide to merge

Imphal, Apr 9 (UNI) All the regional parties of Manipur have reached a consensus to merge and fight the ruling front together in the next assembly elections.

The Federal Party of Manipur (FPM), which has has maximum number of MLAs in the Opposition, has endorsed the decision.

Party president Dr L.Chandramani has been authorised to effect the merger.

The Manipur People's Party (MPP), with two MLAs, has also extended its support for the merger move.

MPP MLA O.Joy said since November the Opposition parties have decided to merge to fight the ruling party. The Congress and the CPI have two thirds of the MLAs in the 60 member house.

Mr Joy said here today, '' We need a strong regional party to safeguard our interests. The Democratic Revolutionary People's Party and Manipur State Congress Party have also favoured the merger.'' The merger would have impact in the next assembly elections which may be held at the end of this year, he added.

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