Governor Bhalla sounded on need to install popular Govt
Ruling MLAs claim 44 of them support Govt formation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2025: Several MLAs belonging to BJP and its allies went to the Raj Bhavan today and highlighted their common desire to form a popular Government in the State.

A representation signed by 22 MLAs was also submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla seeking the Governor's consent for formation of a popular Government.

Notably, the Manipur Legislative Assembly was placed under animated suspension following the resignation of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on February 9, 2025 .

Since February 13, 2025, the State has been under President's Rule.

Altogether 10 MLAs of the ruling parties including seven from BJP, two from NPP and one Independent went to the Raj Bhavan at 11 am today and called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Ruling MLAs claim 44 of them support Govt formation

The seven BJP MLAs were Thokchom Radheshyam (Heirok AC), Paonam Brojen (Wangjing-Tentha AC), Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei (Keirao AC), Kongkham Robindro (Mayang Imphal AC), Yumnam Radheshyam (Hiyanglam AC), Kh Raghumani (Uripok AC) and Thangjam Arunkumar (Wangkhei AC).

The two NPP MLAs were Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao AC) and Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong AC).

Independent MLA Sapam Nishikant (Keishamthong AC) was also a part of the team.

Saying that 44 MLAs of the ruling parties are in favour of forming a popular Government in line with the people's wish, they underscored their common desire to form a popular Government before the Governor.

The MLAs talked with the Governor for about 40 minutes.

On coming out of the Raj Bhavan, Sapam Nishikant said that the majority of the people want installation of a popular Government in the State.

There are huge differences between a popular Government and President's Rule.

As such, many sections of people have voiced their desire for installation of a popular Government and this common desire of the people was discussed at length with the Governor, Nishikant said.

Saying that the Governor's response was positive, Nishikant exuded confidence that the Governor would initiate steps to install a popular Government at the earliest.

He added that a popular Government can further improve the State's law and order situation.

Briefing media persons at the Raj Bhavan gate after their meeting with Ajay Kumar Bhalla, MLA Thokchom Radheshyam said that the meeting deliberated on forming a new Government and several key issues currently besieging the State were discussed.

In line with the people's wish, a detailed report on the urgent need for installation of a popular Government was placed before the Governor, Radheshyam said.

He said that 44 MLAs of the ruling parties are in favour of forming a popular Government.

"Highlighting the fact that 44 MLAs have reached a consensus to form a popular Government in line with the people's pulse, we urged the Governor to initiate necessary procedure for formation of a new Government", Radheshyam said.

After carefully noting all the points raised by the MLAs, Ajay Kumar Bhalla assured that necessary steps would be initiated to install a popular Government at the earliest in the interest of the people of Manipur, according to the BJP MLA representing Heirok AC.

On being asked when they would formally stake claim to form a new Government, Radheshyam said that a definite step toward installing a popular Government would be taken up after BJP National leaders take a decision on the matter.

"We called on the Governor today and expressed our common desire to form a new, popular Government", he said.

With the exception of the five Congress MLAs and the 10 Kuki MLAs, there is none among the remaining 44 MLAs who opposes or does not support formation of a new Government, he asserted.

After the expiry of MLA N Kayisii (Tadubi AC), the ruling parties have 44 MLAs and all of them are in favour of forming a popular Government at the earliest, he said.

Even the five Congress MLAs would not have any objection to the formation of a popular Government, he added.

Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata has met most of the ruling MLAs and none of them expressed disagreement to the efforts to form a popular Government, he said.

The people of Manipur have suffered for too long.

During the previous term, the people suffered a lot of misery because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the current term, people's suffering has crossed all limits on account of the two year old violent crisis, Radheshyam said.

"Highlighting this reality, we made it clear that installation of a popular Government would best serve the interest of the suffering people', the BJP MLA asserted.

The MLAs and the Governor discussed the Gwaltabi incident and the resulting protest movement.

"We urged the Governor to act in line with the people's pulse regarding the Gwaltabi incident", Radheshyam said.