winph BJP Delegation Meets Manipur Governor, New CM Remains Undecided

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh submits his resignation to Governor AK Bhalla, in Imphal, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Photo: PTI Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh submits his resignation to Governor AK Bhalla, in Imphal, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Photo: PTI

A BJP delegation, led by Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and state party president A Sharda Devi, met with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday at the Raj Bhavan. The meeting comes in the wake of the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh two days ago, which has left the state in the midst of a leadership vacuum following months of ethnic violence.

The meeting, which lasted for about half an hour, has yet to yield any concrete outcomes, according to sources. The political crisis in Manipur has raised concerns over the state's future governance, with no clear claimant to form a new government. Experts warn that the absence of leadership may lead to a constitutional crisis, potentially resulting in the President’s Rule.

Legal experts have raised alarms, highlighting the potential for a deadlock if the situation remains unresolved. Senior Supreme Court advocate Arunabh Chowdhury, speaking to PTI, emphasised the urgency of holding a legislative session in line with the Supreme Court's order. “The assembly is not in suspended animation, and it is mandatory to hold sessions. If the gap between sessions exceeds six months, it will lead to a constitutional crisis,” Chowdhury explained.

Under Article 174 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is required to summon the state legislature at regular intervals, ensuring no more than six months pass between sessions. If the assembly fails to meet within this period, the state could face a constitutional deadlock, and President's Rule, under Article 356, could be imposed as the only viable solution.

During their meeting with Patra, Manipur BJP MLAs Sapam Keba and K Ibomcha emphasised the need for urgent intervention by the Centre to restore peace in the violence-stricken state. Keba stated, “We requested the Centre to find ways to restore normalcy. Everything will be decided by the high command, and within a couple of days, the Centre will decide on the necessary actions.”

In the first match, Haryana thrashed Rajasthan 6-1. Rohit Rana (2nd minute), Sunil Maan (11th), Sahil Ruhal (17th) and Ami Khasa (60th) scored one goal each, while Navraj Singh (7th, 37th) struck a brace for Haryana.

Manipur: Sambit Patra Holds Meetings With Party MLAs After Biren Singh's Resignation

The ethnic violence that has plagued the state since May 2023 has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless. Tensions between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the hills have escalated, further complicating the political situation.

The situation has also disrupted the functioning of the state legislature. Governor Bhalla has already declared the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which was supposed to begin on February 10, as null and void. The last session of the Assembly concluded in August 2024, and with the leadership vacuum in the state, there is uncertainty about when, or even if, the legislature will reconvene.

The resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accepted by Governor Bhalla on Sunday, has only added to the uncertainty. Despite his resignation, Singh was requested to remain in office temporarily until alternative arrangements are made.

(With PTI inputs)winph