Political Crisis Deepens in Manipur: CM N. Biren Singh, BJP MLAs Rush to Delhi for Key Meetings
Political turmoil in Manipur has intensified as Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, along with several BJP MLAs and ministers, has rushed to New Delhi for crucial discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Amid growing dissent within the BJP, at least seven MLAs, including key ministers, departed Imphal for the national capital on a chartered flight from Imphal Airport at 8:50 PM tonight.
According to reports from NorthEast Live, the list of MLAs heading to Delhi includes Th. Bishwajit, L. Sushindro, Govindas Konthoujam, Karam Shyam, S. Kunja Kishore Singh, S. Prema Chandra, and Ibomcha. Apart from these leaders, seven other BJP functionaries are also traveling to Delhi, adding to speculation about a major political shake-up in the state.
Sources indicate that the BJP-led central leadership is closely monitoring the situation as discontent among party MLAs continues to rise. Reports suggest that a faction of BJP legislators is pushing for a leadership change in Manipur, citing dissatisfaction with CM Biren Singh’s handling of the ongoing ethnic crisis and governance issues.
BJP MLAs Demand Leadership Change
According to reports, the political crisis has been brewing for months, with some BJP MLAs openly expressing their dissatisfaction with the chief minister’s leadership. The discontent escalated when Minister Y. Khemchand met Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this week, reportedly presenting a detailed report highlighting the grievances of dissenting MLAs.
Adding fuel to the fire, NorthEast Live reports that BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam met Amit Shah again today, further strengthening speculation that the party’s central leadership is seriously considering a change. Additionally, sources claim that a representation signed by multiple MLAs demanding Biren Singh’s removal may be submitted to the BJP high command.
Reports further suggest that at least 30 MLAs from Manipur, including ministers, are currently in Delhi, allegedly lobbying for a leadership change. The next few hours are expected to be crucial, with key meetings between the BJP leadership and Manipur’s legislators likely to take place either at midnight or early tomorrow morning.
Uncertainty Looms Over Manipur’s Leadership
The ongoing crisis in Manipur is unfolding against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic violence and instability in the state. The BJP government, under N. Biren Singh, has faced increasing criticism for failing to resolve the ethnic conflict, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced.
With the political situation rapidly evolving, all eyes are now on the crucial meetings in Delhi, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central BJP leaders are expected to make a decisive call on the leadership crisis in Manipur.
Ministers Deny Political Crisis, Claim Delhi Visit for Events
As speculation around Manipur’s leadership change grows, two key ministers have denied any political motive behind their Delhi visit.
Speaking at Delhi Airport, Minister Th. Bishwajit said:
“There is no particular purpose; we are here to attend a function, including the Kumbh Mela and a sports program. There is no political discussion.”
Similarly, Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated:
“We are traveling late at night to go to Uttar Pradesh. I have no idea about any meeting with the Union Home Minister.”
Despite these denials, the presence of a large number of BJP MLAs in Delhi amid reports of a leadership change continues to fuel speculation about a major political shift in Manipur.