Is Manipur on the Verge of a Floor Test? BJP Tries to Mitigate the Situation

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Rushes to Delhi Amid No-Confidence Motion Threat

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has hurried to Delhi to meet with top BJP leadership, according to sources, in response to the opposition Congress’s announcement that they will bring a no-confidence motion against the government. Congress state President Keisham Meghachandra Singh has stated that the party will move the motion in the assembly session scheduled to begin tomorrow.

BJP Leader Sambit Patra Rushes Back to Imphal

Senior BJP leader Sambit Patra, who is the party’s northeast in-charge, has rushed back to the state capital Imphal to ensure that the party is prepared in case a floor test is held. This strategic move comes as the first no-confidence motion is set to be tabled against the BJP government since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

Previous Support Withdrawn by NPP

Last November, Conrad Sangma’s National Peoples’ Party (NPP) withdrew its support from the Biren Singh-led government, citing a failure to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy in the violence-affected state. Despite this setback, the BJP currently holds 37 MLAs, outnumbering the opposition with its seven members. Additionally, the party has the backing of five MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and three Independents.

Internal Dissidence Threatens BJP

However, internal dissidence within the BJP poses a challenge, with around 12 MLAs advocating for a leadership change and several others remaining undecided. Reports suggest that there are disagreements between the Speaker and the chief minister, further complicating the situation. If these MLAs defy party directives during a potential floor test, the government could face a precarious position.

Efforts to Avoid Floor Test

In a bid to avoid a floor test, Sambit Patra has been hastily dispatched to Imphal ahead of the upcoming budget session. The BJP high command is keen on maintaining a positive political narrative following their recent success in the Delhi polls, and the situation in Manipur is being closely monitored to prevent any disruption.

Congress’s Disqualification Petition

The Congress has filed a disqualification petition against five JD(U) and four NPP MLAs who support the Biren Singh government, with the state legislative assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh currently deliberating on the matter. The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF), a key ally of the BJP, will be closely watched to see if they choose to abstain from voting.

Governor’s Involvement

Governor AK Bhalla is also present in the capital, having canceled his Sunday evening appointments, including the closing ceremony of the Ekhoigi International Film Festival. State BJP chief A Sarda Devi has been instructed to remain in the state capital as the political situation unfolds. The BJP leadership is working diligently to address the internal challenges and maintain stability in Manipur amidst the looming threat of a no-confidence motion.