Ex-CM, BJP MLAs meet Manipur guv; speculation rife over govt formation

Imphal, Nov 17 (PTI) Several BJP MLAs of Manipur, including former chief minister N Biren Singh and Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, held talks with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday evening.

Though the agenda of the over one-hour-long meeting was not disclosed, speculation is rife that the formation of a popular government in the state might be its focus.

The MLAs also did not talk to the media after the meeting, held days after BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh and its North East coordinator Sambit Patra visited the state affected by ethnic violence.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in clashes between Kuki-Zo communities and the Meiteis since May 2023 in Manipur.

The state, which had been governed by a BJP-led coalition, is now under President’s Rule after N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister in February.

The assembly was kept in suspended animation.

Singh on November 7 said that BJP legislators of Manipur recently visited New Delhi and conveyed to central leaders that it is both the wish of the people and the MLAs that a popular government be installed in the state at the earliest.

BJP MLA Th Shyamkumar had claimed last month that a new popular government will be installed by the Centre after November 15 and the new CM would also be selected by central party leaders.

Monday’s meeting was also held days before the popular Sangai festival, which is held every year between November 21 and 30. The festival was suspended for two years after ethnic violence broke out.

The administration is preparing to organise the festival this year, though it is being boycotted by several civil society organisations and the internally displaced persons. PTI COR NN