Himanta Biswa Sarma, the convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led front of anti-Congress forces in the northeast, said on Monday that there is no threat to the N. Biren Singh-led coalition government in Manipur and the ongoing political crisis in the border state would blow over the next two-three days.
The BJP-led coalition in Manipur was reduced to a minority last week after three party MLAs resigned and six other MLAs—four from National People’s Party (NPP), one from Trinamool Congress (TMC) and an Independent legislator - withdrew support to it.
“The situation is more or less under control. We are consulting all our MLAs and things will be resolved nicely. There is nothing to worry,” Sarma, a senior minister in Assam’s BJP-led government, told journalists in Guwahati.
Sarma had played a crucial role in formation of the first BJP-led government in Manipur in 2017 when the party had secured 21 seats in the 60-member house even though the Congress had won 28.
However, it was able to form government with support of other NEDA constituents--NPP, Naga People’s Front (NPF)—and MLAs from TMC, Lok Janshakti Party and an Independent legislator.
On Sunday, Sarma along with NPP national president and CM Sangma had flown to Manipur capital Imphal on a chartered flight to hold discussions and bury the differences among the coalition partners.
{{/usCountry}}On Sunday, Sarma along with NPP national president and CM Sangma had flown to Manipur capital Imphal on a chartered flight to hold discussions and bury the differences among the coalition partners.
{{/usCountry}}“All discussions took place in a very positive manner. You will see good results in the next two-three days. There’s absolutely no worry. I’ll visit Imphal again on Tuesday,” Sarma said.
Speculations have been rife that Singh might step down in a bid to bring back the dissident NPP lawmakers into the coalition government, as they had resigned complaining against the CM’s style of functioning.
Sarma, however, rubbished the speculations about the leadership change.
“As the Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh had disqualified some MLAs, there could be some difference in the ‘architecture’ of the coalition, but more or less we’re continuing with the spirit of the NEDA and the NDA. All complaints and grievances will be addressed. There’s no question of any leadership change at this point in time,” said Sarma.
The BJP’s strength in the assembly has been reduced to 18 after the resignation of three of its MLAs.
However, it still enjoys the support of four NPF MLAs and an LJP legislator, taking the coalition’s tally to 23.
Rival Congress , on the other hand, has 20 MLAs and also has the backing of four NPP MLAs and a lawmaker from the TMC and the Independent.
In total, the Congress-led newly formed Secular Progressive Front (SPF) has 26 MLAs.
Manipur Assembly’s strength has been reduced to 52 because of a few disqualifications and resignations.
BJP’s candidate Sanajaoba Leishemba won the Rajya Sabha election last Friday securing 28 votes to Congress candidate T Mangibabu’s 24, despite the ruling party’s reduced strength, raising hopes of saving the coalition government.
Meanwhile, NPP’s legislature party leader L Jayantakumar told journalists in Imphal that despite Himanta Biswa Sarma’s attempts at convincing them to return to the BJP-led coalition, they didn’t succumb.
“Sarma tried his best to convince us but we never succumbed to his pressure. Our national president Conrad Sangma, who was present in the meeting, remained silent as left the decision on the what we should do to the 4 party MLAs,” Jayantakumar said during a press interaction of the SPF, which was attended by Congress MLAs as well.
Earlier in the day Chief Minister N Biren Singh met Governor Najma Heptullah. In a tweet, he informed that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the RS elections and other issues of the state.
“Why is the BJP running away from a floor test? If NEDA or BJP respects constitution then they should face a floor test in the House,” said Manipur Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei.
The Congress has met the Governor twice in the past few days seeking a floor test to prove majority of the N Biren Singh government.
(With inputs from Sobhapati Samom in Imphal)