The ruling BJP has decided to support Naga Peoples Front (NPF) candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik, in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, even as the name of the party candidate in Inner Manipur constituency remains undecided.
In a post at X BJP Northeast incharge Sambit Patra wrote, as per instructions of Party President JP Nadda BJP will extend its support to Lok Sabha candidates of NPP in both the seats of Meghalaya (Shillong and Tura), to NPF in Outer Manipur constituency and to NDPP in Nagaland in the ensuing Parliamentary elections 2024.
NPF had announced the name of K Timothy Zimik, a retired IRS officer, as its candidate in Outer Manipur constituency on Thursday.
In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Manipur, the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF), an ally of the BJP both at the Centre and the state level, had expressed its intention of supporting the BJP candidate in the Inner Manipur seat while announcing Timothy Zimik’s name.
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In an exclusive interview with the Imphal Free Press, the president of NPF Manipur, Awangbow Newmai, who also serves as a cabinet member in the CM Biren-led BJP government in Manipur, reflected on the past electoral alliances between the NPF and BJP.
He emphasised the spirit of cooperation between the two parties and expressed optimism about the NPF’s prospects, citing strong support from the people.
NPF in its central committee meeting held at Kohima had decided on Timothy Zimik’s candidature and it was formally announced on Thursday. Sitting MP Lorho S Pfoze was rejected after several rounds of deliberations.
Meanwhile, NPF Manipur head and minister Awangbou Newmai called on Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with its Outer Manipur candidate K Timothy Zimik at the CM bungalow on Friday afternoon.
They were accompanied by Vetirinary minister Kashim Vashum and another NPF functionary.
