Imphal (Manipur): The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders in Delhi has summoned a meeting to discuss the formation of government in Manipur, amid claims of factionalism in the state over the post of Chief Minister.
The meeting would be attended by the Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Biswajit Singh, a major contender for the position, according to NDTV.
The meeting will also be attended by state party head Sarda Devi and state-in-charge Sambit Patra, according to reports.
The party ran for office under the leadership of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but has yet to name a Chief Ministerial candidate in Manipur.
Despite the fact that Biswajit Singh was senior to him in the party, N Biren Singh was chosen by the party to be the state’s chief ministerial candidate after the 2017 elections.
After winning by a razor-thin margin of 32 seats out of 60 in the previous elections, the BJP would have to tread carefully when choosing on the post, as it may face backlash from the other faction.
Meanwhile, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, the former state Congress president who joined the BJP in August last year, has emerged as a contender for the position, according to NDTV, with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) playing a crucial role in his joining the party.
Despite the support of national supporter Janata Dal (United) and regional ally Naga People’s Front (NPF), as well as two independent candidates, the party’s internal strife in Manipur could mean disaster.
JDU received six seats in the state, while NPF received five. Aside from the Chief Ministerial position, the party will have to settle on the cabinet, with both allies anticipating a large number of seats.
Following the conclusion of the state’s assembly elections on Friday, N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister of Manipur. He’d been requested to stay on as caretaker CM until further notice.