Imphal: Former Manipur minister Yumnam Khemchand announced on Thursday that a meeting of BJP MLAs will be convened soon to discuss the formation of a new government in the state.
Khemchand, who previously served as the minister for municipal administration, housing, and urban development, addressed reporters after a meeting with state BJP president A. Sharda.
He clarified that following the resignation of N Biren Singh from the chief minister’s post, the BJP MLAs have not yet convened to discuss the next steps.
He explained, “Earlier, when we had a leader of the legislature, we would gather regularly to discuss issues together. However, after his resignation, our state party president became the leader, and soon, we will schedule a meeting of the party MLAs.”
The focus of the upcoming meeting will be to discuss the formation of the new government.
Khemchand, a strong critic of Biren Singh, also dismissed rumors of factionalism among BJP MLAs or the possibility of forming a new regional party.
“We have heard such claims in the media, but I can confirm that BJP MLAs are united. There is no division among us, and the formation of a new regional party is out of the question. Anyone considering that is simply day-dreaming,” he said.
Regarding the attendance of the seven Kuki BJP MLAs at the meeting, Khemchand acknowledged that it is unlikely they would be able to attend due to the ongoing ethnic conflict, which has made travel to Imphal difficult.
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When asked about the selection of a new chief minister once the government is formed, Khemchand left the decision to the central leadership, stating, “Let the central leaders decide on that.”
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, and the state assembly was suspended following the resignation of N Biren Singh.
Singh, who had led the BJP government for nearly 21 months, stepped down after months of ethnic violence that has claimed more than 250 lives, leaving the state in a state of political and social turmoil.
