IT News
Imphal, Feb 18:
The escalating crisis in Manipur has led to a significant development as Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh chose to abstain from the BJP’s two-day National Convention in Delhi. This decision, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in the state for the past nine months, underscores the complexity of the situation and its implications for both the ruling party and Manipur’s political landscape.
The convention, which brought together key members of the BJP’s national and state leadership, saw notable absences, with N. Biren Singh being the most prominent figure missing. While the convention aimed at strategizing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Singh’s absence raised questions about the priorities of the BJP leadership amidst the crisis gripping Manipur.
Insider sources revealed that the national leadership advised Singh to remain in Manipur, highlighting the deepening complexity of the situation on the ground. With various organizations threatening reprisals if election processes were initiated before resolving the crisis, Singh’s presence in the state was deemed essential.
Speculations abound regarding the reasons behind Singh’s exclusion from the convention. While some suggest pressure from within the party, particularly from the faction of BJP MLAs in Manipur demanding separate administration, others point to a possible rift between Singh and the central leadership.
The BJP’s focus on electoral gains, particularly in securing both parliamentary seats in Manipur, seems to outweigh concerns about governance and stability in the state. This attitude, evident in the central leadership’s handling of the crisis over the past nine months, suggests a prioritization of electoral success over addressing the underlying issues plaguing Manipur.
This shift in focus was reflected in BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda’s address at the convention. Nadda emphasized the importance of winning elections, implicitly suggesting that individual leaders must take a backseat to the party’s electoral ambitions.
The decision to prioritize electoral victories over resolving the crisis underscores the challenges faced by leaders like Singh, caught between the demands of governance and the imperatives of party politics. As Manipur grapples with its ongoing crisis, the BJP’s approach raises questions about its commitment to addressing pressing issues at the state level.
