Imphal, 20 February: Former Manipur minister Yumnam Khemchand announced on Thursday that a meeting of BJP MLAs will soon be convened to discuss the formation of a new government in the state.
Addressing reporters after meeting state BJP president A. Sharda, Khemchand clarified that BJP legislators have not yet gathered to decide the next steps following N Biren Singh’s resignation as chief minister. He explained that under Singh’s leadership, BJP MLAs regularly met to discuss important issues. With his resignation, the party’s state president now acts as the leader until further decisions are made.
The primary focus of the upcoming meeting will be to deliberate on forming a new government. Khemchand dismissed reports of internal divisions or the creation of a new regional party, stating that the BJP MLAs remain united. “Such claims are mere speculation,” he asserted.
Regarding the attendance of the seven Kuki BJP MLAs, Khemchand acknowledged that their participation is unlikely due to ongoing ethnic violence, which has made travel to Imphal difficult.
When asked about the selection of a new chief minister, Khemchand said the decision lies with the party’s central leadership.
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 after N Biren Singh’s resignation, which followed months of ethnic violence claiming over 250 lives.