New Delhi: The Centre is expected to take a call this week on government formation in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13.
A delegation of BJP leaders from the state, including former chief minister N. Biren Singh, MLAs H. Dingo, Th. Robindro, S. Ranjan, former minister Govindas Konthoujam, and Hill Areas Committee chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, is currently in New Delhi to press for reviving the government in the strife-hit state.
Sources said the Manipur leaders are scheduled to meet the BJP’s central leadership today. Governor Ajay Bhalla is also in the national capital. “A final decision after meetings with central leaders, the Union Home Minister, and the Prime Minister is expected within a few days — possibly a week,” a senior BJP leader said.
Another party insider noted that since the Manipur Assembly has not been dissolved and remains in suspended animation, reinstating a BJP-led government would face no major legal hurdles.
President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, days after Biren Singh resigned as chief minister on February 9, with no party staking claim to form a government since then. With law and order showing signs of improvement, political observers believe the BJP may soon return to power in the state.
In a related development, security forces recently arrested 15 cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Army in connection with last month’s ambush that killed two soldiers, a move seen as part of the Centre’s broader effort to restore stability in Manipur.
