MLAs leave for Delhi, many link Feb 2 meet to Govt formation

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 1 : Following a call from their Central leadership, most of the NDA MLAs left Imphal for New Delhi today.
The MLAs from BJP, NPP, NPF and Independents were reportedly contacted by BJP’s North East in-charge Sambit Patra last night, and instructed them to reach the National capital by 2 pm on February 2 for a crucial meeting.
Speaking to the media at Imphal Airport, several ruling MLAs suggested that the meeting could be related to the formation of a popular Government, as the current President's Rule tenure is set to expire on February 13.
They added that failure to form a Government before that date could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Apart from the MLAs, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda Devi and NPP Manipur State president Lorho S Pfoze (former Outer MP) also flew to New Delhi today.
It was reported that Sharda Devi also contacted BJP MLAs last night and instructed them to reach Delhi by 2 pm on February 2.
The BJP MLAs who left Imphal for Delhi include Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satya- brata (Yaiskul), former Chief Minister N Biren (Heingang),  Th Bishwajit (Thongju), Govindas Kon-thoujam (Bishnupur), Y Khemchand (Singjamei), L Rameshwor (Keirao), Th Shyamkumar (Andro), Kh Ibomcha (Lamlai), Kh Joykisan (Thangmeiband), RK Imo (Sagolband), H Dingo (Sekmai), S Rajen (Lamsang), Th Basanta-kumar (Nambol), Dr S Ranjan (Konthoujam), S Kunjakeswar (Patsoi), Karam Shyam (Langthabal), S Kebi (Naoriya Pakhang-lakpa), K Robindro (Mayang Imphal), T Robin-dro (Thanga), S Prem- chandra (Kumbi), Th Radheshyam (Heirok), P Brojen (Wangjing Tentha), Dr U Deben (Wabagai), Dr Y Radheshyam (Hiyang-lam), SS Olish (Chandel) and Dinganglung Gangmei (Nungba).
It is reported that Uripok AC MLA Kh Raghumani (BJP) is already in Delhi, while Wangkhei AC MLA Th Arunkumar flew to Delhi from Kolkata in the late evening.
Jiribam AC MLA Achab Uddin (BJP) and Khurai AC MLA L Susindro (BJP) are also expected to fly to Delhi tomorrow morning.
The NPP MLAs who have headed to the National capital are I Nalini (Oinam), Kh Loken (Wangoi), Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao), Th Shanti (Moirang), M Rameshwar (Kakching) and Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong).
NPF MLAs including Awangbow Newmai (Tamei), Khasim Vashum (Chingai), and Leishiyo Keishing (Phungyar) and independent MLAs S Nishikanta (Keishamthong) and J Kumo Sha (Karong) have also reached Delhi.
It is said that most of the Kuki MLAs have also landed in Delhi.
When contacted, the MLAs who are now in Delhi stated that they are still unaware who they will meet or when the meetings will take place.
Before leaving Imphal, N Biren told the media that he expected a positive outcome from the meeting.
He also mentioned that the Central Government has been taking various initiatives to address the issues faced by the people of Manipur.
Government or governance is a continuous pro- cess, the former Chief Minister said, adding that he brought about significant changes in Manipur during his tenure, regardless of whether he returns to power,
He also said that the concrete road project being taken up in Manipur will be finished soon.
When asked who might be named the next Chief Minister, most of the NDA MLAs responded that they would support whoever is chosen for the role by the Central leadership.
Notably, the BJP has 37 MLAs, including 7 Kuki MLAs, in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which is currently under animated suspension.
NPP, a partner of the NDA at the Centre, has six MLAs, following the death of Tadubi AC MLA N Kayisii, while NPF has five MLAs.
Three independent MLAs - Nishikanta, J Kumo Sha, and Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu) also support the NDA.
The Kuki People's Alliance (KPA), which has two MLAs viz; Kimneo Haokip (Saikul) and Chinlunthang (Singhat),  withdrew its support to the Government after the crisis erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
In the Opposition, there are five Congress MLAs.