Choosing the next man to be the Manipur CM is going to take days, as BJP National Spokesperson and BJP Manipur In Charge Sambit Patra is holding critical meetings with key BJP leaders of the state and MLAs.

Despite talks going on to appoint a new CM, according to source, Suspended Animation of the state assembly has been recommended to the union government. No official statement has been issued from Raj Bhawan yet.

Manipur’s former CM and CLP leader Okram Ibobi has criticized the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren just a day before the scheduled Assembly session, as a “disrespect” to the public. He also warned that Congress would not remain silent if President’s Rule is imposed in the state.

BJP Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, who is in Imphal busy with political situations in the state, on Tuesday held yet another closed door meeting with State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sarda, Secretary and MLAs at Imphal Hotel, North AOC.

Since morning, Sambit met key state BJP leaders along with MLA  Kashim Vashum, Awangbow Newmai, Mayanglambam Rameshwar and Thokchom Radheshyam. The BJP Manipur in Charge, state BJP leaders and MLAs did not make any official statement regarding the meeting agenda. However, sources say that the meeting discussed on the political developments and picking out a worthy one for the CM post. It is also reported that further meeting will be held.

Later in the evening, BJP Manipur In-Charge Sambit Patra, BJP Manipur Pradesh President Adhikarimayum Sarda and a few MLA met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in the afternoon. MLA Konthoujam Govindas, Awangbow Newmai, Th Basantakumar,  Th Radheshyam and MLA Abdul Nashir were present at the meeting.  The meeting went for half an hour, the members led by BJP state In-Charge Sambit Patra made no comments to media persons waiting outside the Raj Bhawan.

On the other hand, Congress Legislative Party leader Okram Ibobi, addressing the Media at his official residence in Babupara, accused the ruling BJP government of political sabotage to deepened the crisis in the state.

While condemning on the reports on imposition of “Suspended Animated” in Manipur, he said that imposition of suspended animation is untimely.

“Despite, no constitutional crisis in the state, if President’s Rule is imposed, it would worsen the sufferings of the people”, he said.

Ibobi alleging that the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, was premeditated, he further accused the government of ignoring the people’s cries for over two years, leading to countless deaths and destruction of homes. He also said that if the centre had advised N Biren early, the crisis happening in the state would not have happened.

“To face such kind of disrespect to the state,  it’s better to die than staying at the post(MLA) and to allow Manipur to suffer like this”, the former Chief Minister said.