Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhawan on Wednesday morning, amid the ongoing political uncertainty gripping the state.
Patra's visit has triggered speculation over potential developments within the BJP leadership.
Patra arrived at Raj Bhawan around 10:00 AM and departed by 10:50 AM. However, he refrained from commenting on the prevailing political situation when approached by reporters.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened political activity and governance concerns in Manipur, with the BJP leadership deliberating on strategies to address the crisis.
While the details of his discussion with the Governor remain undisclosed, his visit has added to the speculation over possible political manoeuvres.
Meanwhile, Patra held discussions with BJP legislators at Hotel Imphal on 11 February, continuing a series of closed-door meetings that began on 10 February.
Among those who met Patra were ministers and MLAs, including Sapam Ranjan, K. Ibomcha, Sheikh Noorul Hassain, Sapam Kunjeswar, and Minister Th. Biswajit.
Sources indicated that the discussions focused on strategies for restoring peace and stability in Manipur.
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"The discussions, conducted selectively with key figures, are aimed at assessing the evolving situation in the state," informed a Raj Bhavan source.
Following his meeting with Patra, MLA Sapam Keba addressed the media, stating, "All decisions will be made by the party high command. The primary focus of the discussions was peace restoration, and we urged the Centre to take steps towards stabilising the state. A decision on the way forward is expected in the coming days."
BJP's central leadership is expected to take crucial decisions in the coming days regarding its future course of action in Manipur.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh has criticised the BJP-led central government, asserting that state legislators should have been allowed to elect a new leader following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation.
Ibobi Singh, a three-time former chief minister, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of mishandling the situation. Singh stepped down on Sunday, and Governor Anusuiya Uikey accepted his resignation.
Urging Biren Singh to remain in office until an alternative is in place, Ibobi Singh warned that the lack of leadership could push BJP-ruled Manipur into a constitutional crisis.
Experts have echoed similar concerns, highlighting the absence of any political group staking a claim to form the government.
"This situation should not have escalated into a constitutional crisis. It is sheer negligence on the part of the central government. After Biren Singh’s resignation, they should have facilitated the formation of a new ministry. The legislators must be allowed to elect a new leader—there should be no leadership vacuum," the Congress leader said.
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