Imphal: Former Manipur Police officer and anti-drug crusader Thounaojam Brinda formally joined the Indian National Congress in Imphal along with 10 other prominent leaders ahead of the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections.
Brinda also announced her candidature from the Yaiskul Assembly Constituency, officially launching her campaign for the upcoming election to the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The newly inducted leaders were welcomed into the Congress by former Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Okram Ibobi Singh at a programme held in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi highlighted the importance of the 2027 Assembly elections and appealed to voters to give a fresh mandate for political change in Manipur as well as at the Centre.
The leaders who joined the Congress include former bureaucrats, legal professionals, retired defence personnel and politicians. They are Thounaojam Brinda (retired MPS officer, Yaiskul), M Anwar Hussain (former BJP candidate from Lilong), Kh Devendro (former MLA, Sekmai), Colonel Md Sahid Khan (retired, Lilong), Laishram Sashibhusan (senior advocate, Uripok), Longjam Suranjoy (retired IUCB AGM, Keirao), B Sharat Sharma (retired associate professor, Yaiskul), Th Oxford (retired district supply officer, Thongju), Yengkhom Sanjeep (retired assistant commandant, Thangmeiband), Kh Gambhir (retired executive engineer, Power Department), and Md Nasir Khan (retired teacher, Lilong).
Speaking on the occasion, Brinda said she would remain committed to serving the people of Yaiskul and addressing key issues concerning the constituency.
This is Brinda’s second attempt to contest from Yaiskul. She had contested the 2022 Assembly elections but lost to the current Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Thokchom Satyabrata.
Brinda had earlier gained prominence as a Manipur Police officer for leading a major anti-drug operation in 2018. The case later drew attention after the acquittal of the prime accused, following which she returned her gallantry medal in protest.
With her entry into the Congress and declaration of candidature, political activities in Yaiskul and across Manipur are expected to gain momentum ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.