Amid political uncertainty in Manipur, former minister Yumnam Khemchand announced on Thursday that a meeting of BJP MLAs will be held soon to discuss the formation of a new government. This comes in the wake of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, which has left a leadership vacuum within the ruling BJP in the state.
BJP to Decide on New Leadership in Manipur
Yumnam Khemchand, who previously served as the Minister for Municipal Administration, Housing, and Urban Development, addressed reporters after a discussion with Manipur BJP president A. Sharda. He confirmed that following Biren Singh’s resignation, the BJP MLAs have not yet convened to decide on the future leadership. “Earlier, when we had a leader of the legislature, we would gather regularly to discuss issues. However, after his resignation, our state party president became the leader. Soon, we will schedule a meeting of the party MLAs to discuss the formation of a new government,” Khemchand stated.
No Signs of BJP Factionalism or New Regional Party Formation
Khemchand, who has been a vocal critic of N. Biren Singh, dismissed media speculation about factionalism within the BJP or the formation of a new regional party. “We have heard such claims in the media, but I can confirm that BJP MLAs are united. There is no division among us, and the formation of a new regional party is out of the question. Anyone considering that is simply day-dreaming,” he said.
His remarks indicate that the BJP leadership in Manipur remains intact and that internal differences have not escalated into a full-blown crisis.
Challenges in BJP MLA Meeting Attendance
One of the key challenges facing the upcoming BJP meeting is the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has complicated political dynamics in the state.
Khemchand acknowledged that the seven Kuki BJP MLAs may not be able to attend the meeting due to the ongoing ethnic tensions that have severely impacted travel and security, particularly in Imphal and surrounding regions. “Given the current situation, it is unlikely that the seven Kuki BJP MLAs will be able to attend the meeting,” he added.
The ongoing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities has led to significant unrest in the state, creating a complex political landscape for the BJP as it seeks to establish new leadership.
Political Turmoil in Manipur: The Road Ahead
The resignation of N. Biren Singh has created a leadership vacuum, and the BJP must now act swiftly to decide its next course of action. The upcoming MLA meeting will be crucial in determining:
- Who will be the next Chief Minister of Manipur?
- How will the party address ethnic tensions and ensure inclusivity in governance?
- What strategies will be adopted to maintain BJP’s political stability in the state?
With BJP’s central leadership expected to play a crucial role in the decision-making process, political observers are keenly watching developments in Manipur.
BJP’s Unity and Future Leadership
The upcoming BJP MLAs’ meeting will be a decisive moment for Manipur’s political landscape, as it will determine the leadership and future direction of the state government. With Khemchand asserting that there is no factionalism within the party, the BJP aims to present a united front while working towards stability and governance.
However, the absence of Kuki MLAs due to ongoing ethnic violence underscores the complex challenges facing Manipur’s political structure. The meeting will not only set the course for the new government formation but will also be a test of the BJP’s internal cohesion and ability to navigate the crisis.
As the political situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the BJP’s leadership selection and how it will impact governance in Manipur in the coming months.
