Imphal: Senior BJP MLA L Susindro Meitei has claimed that the failure to form a new government in Manipur following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation was due to too many contenders vying for the top post.
Speaking to reporters on February 15, Meitei, a former minister and close aide of Biren Singh, suggested that the CM may have stepped down hoping it would help bring peace to the ethnic violence-hit state. However, he stated that the general perception among the people was that the government collapsed due to internal power struggles.
Manipur, which has 37 BJP MLAs in a 60-member Assembly, saw intense discussions led by BJP’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra in an attempt to resolve the leadership crisis. However, no consensus was reached, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13 and the suspension of the Assembly.
Meitei termed the situation “unfortunate”, emphasizing that while every legislator is qualified to be CM, only one can hold the position, making sacrifices necessary.
Meanwhile, Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the BJP’s internal leadership conflict directly led to the imposition of President’s Rule.
On the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, Meitei alleged that some elements were deliberately provoking clashes to disrupt peace efforts. He warned that whenever signs of peace emerge, fresh violence is triggered through gun and bomb attacks.
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and thousands being displaced.
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