Political Turmoil Unfolds in Manipur Following CM's Resignation
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Synopsis
Imphal is currently facing political turmoil as uncertainty looms over the formation of a new government following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. As discussions about President's Rule intensify, the local political landscape remains in flux.
Key Takeaways
- Political uncertainty in Manipur after CM's resignation.
- Discussions surrounding President's Rule are heating up.
- Selection of a new leader for the ruling BJP is underway.
- Ethnic and political dynamics play a significant role in leadership choices.
- Opposition Congress plans a no-confidence motion against the BJP.
Imphal, Feb 11 (NationPress) Following the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh two days ago, the state is engulfed in a cloud of uncertainty regarding the formation of the next government. Meanwhile, various political figures are actively inquiring about the potential for President's Rule within the state.
The topic of President's Rule gained traction in the media after the Governor declared the upcoming budget session of the Manipur assembly 'null and void' just hours after Biren Singh's resignation on Sunday.
The budget session was initially set to commence on Monday (February 10), featuring the traditional address from the Governor, and was expected to last until February 24. Chief Minister Biren Singh, who oversees the Finance portfolio, was scheduled to present the budget estimates for the fiscal year 2025-26 on February 14.
An important official stated that the last assembly session convened in August of the previous year, and as per constitutional requirements, another session must occur within a six-month timeframe.
“The assembly session must begin by February 12 to adhere to the six-month gap requirement between sessions,” the official explained during a conversation with IANS.
In the meantime, intense discussions are underway to select a new leader for the ruling BJP legislature party who will guide the new government. The BJP's northeast in-charge, Sambit Patra, has held numerous meetings since Sunday night with outgoing Chief Minister Biren Singh, other ministers, MLAs, and leaders from the BJP and its allies to gather insights prior to choosing the new legislature party leader.
Patra, a Lok Sabha member from Puri (Odisha), also conferred with the Governor at the Raj Bhavan. According to a senior BJP official, State Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Municipal Administrations, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Rajya Sabha member from Manipur Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba are leading contenders for the chief ministerial position.
“The party aims to select a leader who is accepted by both tribal groups – Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga – as well as the majority non-tribal Meitei communities,” a leader who wished to remain anonymous shared with IANS. He noted that last week, Central BJP leaders summoned CM Biren Singh along with three ministers, several leaders, and MLAs to Delhi to discuss the political and ethnic climate in Manipur.
The central leaders also individually met with Satyabrata Singh and Khemchand Singh to deliberate on political matters affecting the troubled state. All three, Satyabrata Singh, Khemchand Singh, and Leishemba, belong to the Meitei community in Manipur. The Meiteis represent approximately 53 percent of Manipur's population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kuki-Zo-Hmar community account for just over 40 percent and inhabit the hill districts.
About two years after ethnic clashes erupted between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar, resulting in significant devastation, Chief Minister Biren Singh submitted his resignation letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday, just a day before the pivotal Assembly session, which was subsequently annulled by the Governor that same night.
The Governor accepted Singh's resignation letter and requested that he continue in a caretaker role until new arrangements can be established. Biren Singh, accompanied by Sambit Patra, returned to Imphal from Delhi on Sunday afternoon before presenting his resignation to the Governor.
While in the national capital, Biren Singh engaged in discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party President J.P. Nadda.
A senior party official indicated that Biren Singh reluctantly submitted his resignation letter to the Governor following instructions from the central BJP leadership.
His resignation occurs amidst heightened political maneuvering, with the Opposition Congress having previously declared its intention to introduce a no-confidence motion against the BJP government in the Assembly session, which was set to commence on Monday but was rendered 'null and void' by the Governor just hours after Biren Singh's departure.
