BJP welcomes Irom Sharmila’s admission to party

The 42-year-old Irom Sharmila had been on a hunger strike since November 2000.

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Irom Sharmila outside the court after the hearing in New Delhi on Wednesday. PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday said that it will welcome activist Irom Sharmila if she wants to join the saffron party.

BJP leader, K.H. Joykishan told ANI that Sharmila contesting elections from a BJP ticket is a decision which is to be considered by the central leadership of the party.

“The BJP welcomes everyone. if she wants to join our party we will not deny her admission. But regarding tickets we I cannot ensure as it is a decision of the Central leadership,” said Joykishan.

After being on a fast for the last 16 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Manipur’s ‘Iron Lady’ Irom Chanu Sharmila is all set to end her fast on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old Irom has been on a hunger strike since November 2000.

Irom began her hunger strike to protest against the death of 10 Manipuris who were shot dead by the Assam Rifles in Imphal.

Sharmila was arrested and released from jail several times under Section 309 for attempted suicide.

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According to reports, Sharmila had earlier rejected Aam Aadmi Party’s offer to contest Lok Sabha elections under its banner from the inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat in 2014.

Despite repeated calls to withdraw the AFSPA from UN experts as well as national and international groups, the Act continues to be enforced.

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