Who will be next Manipur CM? discussions are active in BJP; party considering two names

NEW DELHI: Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, who failed to suppress the 21-month-long ongoing violence that has claimed numerous lives, resigned from his position yesterday. However, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has requested him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister. While there were indications that the President's Rule might be imposed in the crisis-hit state, the BJP is instead trying to find a new Chief Minister.

The party leadership has held discussions with alliance partners, the National People's Party (NPP) and the Naga People's Front (NPF), regarding the matter. The names of Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and former minister Yumnam Khemchand are actively being considered. However, a final decision will be made only after further discussions. According to national media reports, the BJP may impose a President’s Rule for four to five months before making a final decision through deliberations.

Meanwhile, an MLA commented that imposing the President’s Rule would only project the BJP as weak. The BJP holds a clear majority in the Manipur Assembly with 37 out of 60 seats, along with 11 additional members from allied parties. Therefore, the general opinion is that a new Chief Minister should be appointed instead of implementing central rule.

The failure of Biren Singh's BJP government, along with the central government, in suppressing ethnic violence and restoring peace in Manipur has sparked nationwide protests. Around 60,000 families have been displaced, and nearly 15,000 homes have been set on fire. Hundreds of places of worship and schools were destroyed by attackers. Disturbing visuals of women being paraded naked shocked the nation. As both the central and Manipur governments remained mere spectators, the Supreme Court had to intervene. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's failure to visit Manipur even once in the past 21 months since the violence began has further fueled widespread criticism.