Days after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered his resignation, state BJP in-charge Sambit Patra held closed-door meetings with several BJP legislators at a hotel in Imphal to decide the next course of action, party sources said.
According to the sources, Patra met Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, municipal administration housing development minister Y Khemchand, education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh and BJP MLA Th Radheshyam. Three among them are known for their strained relationship with Singh.
The BJP legislators are expected to hold more meetings over the next 48 hours, either within the state or elsewhere, they added.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened across the state capital, especially in sensitive areas such as Sanjenthong, Singjamei, Moirangkhom, Keisampat, and Kangla Gate.
Manipur Congress president K Meghachandra welcomed Singh’s resignation but opposed any move to impose President’s rule in the state.
“Congress wants a new leader and a new government. We oppose any plans to impose President’s rule in the state because people’s mandate must be respected by the Union government,” Meghachandra told reporters.
He added, “Singh knew he would be defeated in the no-confidence motion in the assembly. He should have resigned long ago. It is his administrative failure that has plunged the state into turmoil.”
The state’s budget session, scheduled for Monday, was scrapped following Singh’s resignation. The opposition had planned to bring a no-confidence motion against Singh during the session.
The National People’s Party (NPP) also welcomed Singh’s resignation and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with the BJP to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
