Uncertainty over Next Government Formation in Manipur as President's Rule Dominates Headlines

Imphal, Manipur: Two days after the resignation of Chief Minister N.Biren Singh, uncertainty over the next government formation prevails in the state, with a section of political leaders frantically inquiring about the prospects of President's Rule.

The possibility of President's Rule has dominated headlines since Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla made the budget session of the Manipur Assembly 'null and void' hours after Biren Singh quit on Sunday. The Budget session was scheduled to start on Monday with the customary speech of the Governor and would have continued till February 24.

However, as per constitutional mandate, another session must be held within six months. "By February 12, the assembly session has to be started to maintain the gap of six months between the two sessions," a top official clarified while talking to IANS.

Meanwhile, hectic parleys are underway to choose an alternate leader of the ruling BJP legislature party who would lead the new government. The BJP's northeast in-charge Sambit Patra has held dozens of meetings since Sunday night with caretaker Chief Minister Biren Singh, other Ministers, MLAs, and leaders of BJP and other saffron party allies to take their views.

Patra also met with the Governor at the Raj Bhavan. According to a top BJP leader, state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and Municipal Administrations, Housing, and Urban Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh are frontrunners for the chief minister's post.

The party is trying to choose a leader who will be acceptable both among tribals - Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga - and majority non-tribal Meitei communities. Last week, Central BJP leaders called CM Biren Singh along with three ministers, a few leaders, and MLAs to Delhi and discussed the political and ethnic situation in Manipur.

In the national capital, Biren Singh held meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party President J.P. Nadda. Reports suggest that he unwillingly submitted his resignation letter to the Governor following directions from central BJP leaders.

Biren Singh's resignation comes amid hectic political activities, with the Opposition Congress earlier announcing to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government in the Assembly session. However, the Governor made the session 'null and void' hours after Biren Singh quit. The future of the state hangs in balance as uncertainty over the next government formation prevails.