Intense Negotiations in Manipur Following CM Biren Singh's Resignation
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Synopsis
In the wake of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's resignation, the ruling BJP in Manipur is actively engaged in discussions to appoint a new leader for the legislature party amidst significant political activity and the looming threat of a no-confidence motion.
Key Takeaways
- N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister of Manipur.
- Intense negotiations within the BJP are underway to find a successor.
- Satyabrata Singh and Khemchand Singh are the top contenders for the chief minister role.
- The need for a leader acceptable to both tribal and non-tribal communities is emphasized.
- Political dynamics in Manipur are evolving rapidly.
Imphal, Feb 10 (NationPress) Following the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, intense discussions are underway to select a new leader for the ruling BJP legislature party to head the forthcoming government.
Sambit Patra, the BJP's northeast in-charge, conducted multiple meetings with Ministers, MLAs, and other leaders from the BJP and its allies to gather their opinions on Monday before appointing a new leader for the legislature party.
A senior BJP official indicated that Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, the state Assembly Speaker, and Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the MAHUD Minister, are the leading candidates for the chief ministerial position.
“The party aims to select a leader who will gain acceptance from both the tribal communities – Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga – and the predominantly non-tribal Meitei community,” the official told IANS, opting to remain anonymous.
Last week, central BJP leaders summoned Chief Minister Biren Singh, alongside three ministers and several leaders and MLAs, to Delhi to discuss the political and ethnic dynamics in Manipur.
The BJP official added that central leaders also held separate discussions with Satyabrata Singh and Khemchand Singh regarding similar political matters.
Both candidates belong to the Meitei community in Manipur.
Meiteis represent approximately 53 percent of Manipur's population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, whereas Nagas and Kuki-Zo-Hmar make up a little over 40 percent and inhabit the hill districts.
Almost two years after ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar ravaged the state, Biren Singh submitted his resignation letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla the day before a critical Assembly session, which was later canceled by the Governor on Sunday night.
An official from the Raj Bhavan confirmed that the Governor accepted the resignation and requested Biren Singh to remain as caretaker Chief Minister until new arrangements are established.
Biren Singh, accompanied by Sambit Patra, who also serves as the Lok Sabha member from Puri in Odisha, returned to Imphal from Delhi on Sunday afternoon before meeting the Governor to submit his resignation.
In the national capital, Biren Singh conferred with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party President J.P. Nadda.
A senior party official informed IANS that following instructions from central BJP leaders, Biren Singh reluctantly submitted his resignation to the Governor.
The resignation of Biren Singh coincides with intense political maneuvers, as the opposition Congress had previously announced plans to introduce a no-confidence motion against the BJP government during the Assembly session scheduled for Monday, which the Governor rendered 'null and void' shortly after Biren Singh stepped down.
