Imphal, October 5: With the President’s Rule in Manipur entering the ninth month, more MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National People’s Party (NPP) have rushed to New Delhi to seek appointments with central leaders, urging them to expedite the formation of a new popular government in Manipur.
After four BJP MLAs, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, left Imphal for the national capital on Saturday, at least eight more BJP legislators, along with one NPP MLA, departed Imphal for Delhi on Sunday.
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The political turmoil stems from the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, which later triggered internal rifts within the BJP over leadership issues. On February 13 this year, four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tendered his resignation, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in the state, placing it under suspended animation.
Those who left for Delhi on Sunday included speaker Th. Satyabrata, MLAs Kh. Joykisan Singh (formerly JD-U), Kh. Ibomcha Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, Sapam Kunjakeshwor Singh, Th. Shyamkumar, and Usam Deben, along with NPP legislative party leader Sheikh Noorul Hussan.
BJP MLA Kh. Ibomcha Singh told reporters at the Imphal airport that all BJP legislators were travelling to meet central leaders.
Another BJP MLA, Th. Shyamkumar, speaking at the airport, said, “We want to bring back a popular government.”
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NPP leader Sheikh Noorul Hussan stated, “The people of Manipur aspire for a popular government and restoration of peace and normalcy. We are hopeful that under new leadership, a new government will soon be formed.”
Currently, in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 32 seats, the NPP seven, JD(U) six, Naga People’s Front (NPF) five, Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) two, and the Indian National Congress five, with three independent MLAs.
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Following the demise of NPP MLA N. Kayisii, the effective strength of the Assembly stands at 59. Among the 32 BJP MLAs, seven Kuki-Zo legislators have been demanding a ‘separate administration.’
(Newmai News Network)