Imphal: Manipur Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh has criticized the BJP-led central government for failing to ensure a smooth transition of leadership following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Singh stated that state MLAs should have been allowed to elect a new leader immediately after the resignation to prevent political instability.
The former three-time Chief Minister also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding them responsible for the uncertainty in Manipur. He argued that their inaction has pushed the state towards a potential constitutional crisis, as no alternative leadership has been put in place.
N Biren Singh tendered his resignation on Sunday, which was accepted by Governor AK Bhalla. However, in the absence of a new chief minister, the Governor requested Singh to continue in office until further arrangements were made. Experts have warned that the delay in forming a new government could lead to a governance vacuum in the BJP-ruled state.
“This situation should not have led to a constitutional crisis. It is sheer negligence on the part of the Modi government. After Biren Singh resigned, a new leader should have been elected immediately. There should not be any gap,” Ibobi Singh stated, adding that choosing a new leader would have taken just an hour or two.
Singh also criticized the last-minute cancellation of the Assembly budget session, which was originally scheduled to begin on Monday. Shortly after the CM’s resignation, the Governor declared the session ‘null and void’, raising further concerns over the political direction of the state. He emphasized that such matters should have been handled in advance to prevent last-minute disruptions.