Synopsis
Manipur's political landscape heats up as Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and other BJP leaders make an urgent journey to Delhi for key meetings with central BJP leaders ahead of the state Assembly session starting February 10. Controversies loom over leaked remarks and potential no-confidence motions from the opposition.Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh travels to Delhi ahead of Assembly session.
- BJP leaders engage with central officials.
- Controversy arises from leaked audio remarks.
- Opposition Congress hints at a confidence motion.
- Concerns over intimidation tactics against MLAs.
Imphal, Feb 6 (NationPress) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh hurried to New Delhi on Wednesday, just days before the upcoming state Assembly session set to commence on February 10, as confirmed by officials.
Joining him were Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Y. Khemchand, and several other BJP MLAs who have arrived in Delhi to engage with central BJP leaders.
A close source to the Chief Minister indicated that following his discussions with central leaders, Singh plans to attend the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Senior officials and ruling BJP representatives remained tight-lipped when questioned regarding the unexpected visit to the national capital just before the Assembly session.
Reports suggest that additional ministers and other BJP MLAs may also be headed to Delhi.
In parallel, the Chief Minister is embroiled in controversy due to a leaked audio tape allegedly featuring Singh, wherein he is purportedly making contentious remarks about the ethnic violence impacting the state.
Opposition Congress leaders have hinted at potentially initiating a confidence motion against the Chief Minister during the forthcoming session.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Okram Ibobi Singh previously urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to counsel the Chief Minister against intimidating Assembly members.
A delegation of Congress MLAs, led by Ibobi Singh, met with the Governor two days prior, expressing concerns over the Chief Minister's alleged remarks made at Thambal Sanglen during the observance of the 75th Constitution Day.
“The Chief Minister allegedly stated that any MLA who attempts a no-confidence motion in the upcoming state Assembly session would face severe public backlash,” the Congress leader relayed to the Governor, as reported by the media.
Ibobi Singh condemned the Chief Minister's alleged comments, labeling them as intimidation tactics against Legislative Assembly members.
He emphasized that initiating a no-confidence motion is a democratic right of the opposition, and it rests solely with them to decide whether to proceed.
