IT News
Imphal, July 27:
Speculation about a potential change in leadership appears to be off the table as Chief Minister N. Biren Singh adjusts his strategy. Political analysts suggest that CM N. Biren Singh’s recent visit to New Delhi, where he met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, indicates strong support from the central leadership.
N. Biren Singh arrived in the national capital on Thursday evening to participate in the Niti Aayog meeting and the BJP Chief Ministers’ conclave scheduled for Saturday. According to BJP sources, Biren Singh’s series of high-profile meetings signals that the party leadership does not have immediate plans to replace him in the conflict-ridden state.
Sources within the BJP reveal that replacing Biren Singh is not currently considered due to a lack of viable alternatives. “Most alternative candidates, including those advocating for Biren’s resignation, have lost credibility and are perceived as biased towards either the Meitei or Kuki-Zo communities,” a source noted. Imposing President’s rule in Manipur is also deemed imprudent as it could send a negative message about a BJP-ruled state.
The BJP leadership is wary of potential political maneuvers by Biren Singh if he is removed.
“He (Biren Singh) is a challenging leader to manage. He has emerged as a strong figure within the Meitei community,” commented a central BJP leader experienced in managing party affairs in Manipur.
While the ongoing crisis in Manipur has been a significant issue in the Opposition’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, any major developments in the state could also affect the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand.