Imphal: Manipur continues to have a political stalemate as the ruling BJP is yet to decide on who will be the conflict-ridden state's new chief minister four days after N Biren Singh resigned from the post, even as reports say the state may come under President's rule for at least three months.
Singh’s resignation last Sunday (Feb 9, 2025) came after nearly 21 months of violence in the northeastern state, with over 250 persons being killed and several thousands displaced.
In the 60-member Assembly, the BJP has 32 MLAs including seven from Kuki community. Sources say Biren Singh, being a Meetei, was opposed by most of the Kuki community leaders as well as sitting legislators compelling the BJP to select a consensus candidate who is also acceptable to the Kukis.
However, experts have warned that with no one staking claim to form the government so far, the BJP-ruled Manipur may head towards a constitutional crisis.
"If the situation remains so, the state is likely to be under President's rule," they said. The Governor has already declared the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which was set to commence on February 10, as null and void. The last session of the assembly in the restive state concluded on August 12, 2024.
Quoting sources in the MHA, a recent report by The Wire says New Delhi may agree to President's Rule in Manipur at least for three months.
If that happens, it would be something new for Manipur as the state has witnessed President’s Rule as many as 10 times since 1949 with the the last between June 2001 and March 2002.
The report said that "militarisation of Manipur" is a concern that President’s Rule could help address.
“Security forces are concerned that with the changing scenario in Bangladesh and the ongoing uncertainty and gunfights in Myanmar for control of areas along the India border, northeastern militant groups could surface again and set up camps along India’s Northeast border. Keeping such a serious threat in mind, New Delhi may agree to PR in Manipur at least for three months,” the report said quoting an MHA source.
It said Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla is set to send a report to President Draupadi Murmu "very soon".
State Forest Minister in Guwahati
Manipur forest minister Th. Bishwajit left Imphal for Guwahati on Wednesday evening, and no official reason has been cited for his visit to the neighbouring state.
Despite several rounds of discussions between BJP’s northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and party legislators, the deadlock persists with some lawmakers suggesting that the final decision may rest with the Centre.
Patra has met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla twice over the past two days. On Tuesday, Patra, accompanied by state party president A Sharda Devi, held talks with Bhalla, and on Wednesday, he met the governor again.
Patra also held a meeting with BJP MLAs, including state consumer affairs minister L Susindro and MLA Karam Shyam, to discuss the situation.
'No Constitutional Crisis'
Speaking to reporters, Shyam had said there was no constitutional crisis following Singh's decision to step down and the ongoing issues would be resolved by the Centre with the help of legislators.
Responding to a question on the expiry of the maximum six-month interval between two consecutive sessions of the state assembly, Shyam said, "Let's see what happens". Asked if the name of the new chief minister would be announced, Shyam laughed and declined to comment.
Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar, meanwhile, questioned the purpose of Patra's visit to the state and asked if he intended to resolve the leadership crisis. The Congress legislator said Patra should have taken the lead to appoint a new CM by discussing with the BJP MLAs.
"His visit is to ensure that there is no assembly session and the issues of the state remain sidelined. So far, he has not made any comment either," the former Speaker added. (Agency inputs)
