After Assam, BJP targets Congress-ruled Manipur and Meghalaya

After demolishing the Congress in its stronghold of Assam, the BJP now aims to capture another two Congress ruled states - Manipur and Meghalya where assembly polls are scheduled to take place in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

The BJP had already succeeded in making in roads in Manipur in last assembly elections by winning two seats besides making its presence felt across the state which is dominated by Metei, a Hindu community.

The victory of Assam has strengthened the voice of the saffron brigade in the frontier states. BJP has also decided to strengthen its ties with National People's Party (NPP) which succeeded in maintaining its dominance in Garo Hills of Meghalaya even after the sudden demise of its stalwart PA Sangma.

Mr Conrad K Sangma defeated ruling Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira, wife of Mukul Sangma in the recently concluded Lok Sabha by-elections.

If Congress defeat in Meghalaya has created dissension in Meghalaya Congress with growing demand to remove chief minister Mukul Sangma, it is significant that the 15-year old Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in Manipur has also been facing a revolt-like situation. Though Mr Singh succeeded in quelling the dissidence by reshuffling his council of ministers and replacing the PCC chief, the dissension continues to wreak havoc for the Congress government in the frontier states in addition to anti-incumbency of 15 years.

The BJP intends to capitalise on the situation by turning it into an opportunity, according to BJP strategists.