Amid resignation spree, BJP MLAs meet central leaders
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 17 2023: Disgruntled BJP MLAs of the ruling BJP Government 2.0, who have expressed dissatisfaction over their present status and began resigning from their respective posts, have now started meeting with the central BJP leaders.

According to a source, after Heirok MLA Thokchom Radheshyam, who was the education minister in the previous BJP government, resigned from his post as advisor to Chief Minister, it was speculated that other BJP MLAs who were appointed as chairmen of different corporations and agencies, will also tender resignation from their respective posts, as was reported in this daily.

On Monday, Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam, currently in Delhi, too resigned as the chairman of Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited.

A video clip of the MLA explaining the reason for his resignation along with his resignation letter was soon released on social media platforms.

Shortly after, a photo of MLAs Thokchom Radheshyam, Karam Shyam, Paonam Brojen (Wangjing Tentha AC) and Khwairakpam Raghumani (Uripok AC) meeting Union Minister of State of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Cooperation BL Verma at the latter's office in New Delhi on Sunday, was released on social media.

The post stated that a team of Manipur BJP MLAs called on the MoS to discuss the border and development issues of the state.

Mention may be made here that Paonam Brojen is the chairman of Manipur Development Society, while Raghumani is the chairman of Renewable Energy Development Agency.

It is not certain whether these two MLAs will be resigning from their posts or not, the source conveyed.

Meanwhile, Sagolband MLA RK Imo made a cryptic post on his Facebook page, stating "Who doesn't want to be a CM or a Minister? Every MLA does, but there is a time, place and moment for all things.

Some are lucky to be a minister the moment they get elected the first time, some are not so lucky to be a minister or CM even after winning 3/4/5 times.

If one keeps sulking after every ministry reshuffle or government formation, democracy and government can never function properly.

It is nice to dream big and have ambition, but if you are over ambitious, you tend to fall.

Think bigger and for the larger cause of the people.

When one is a minister, he smiles and laughs, and the moment he stands removed or isn't a minister, he starts dissenting and giving statements questioning the leadership.

Think bigger and for the larger cause of the state.

So, should we all write to our PM to amend the constitution to allow all MLAs to become ministers at one go, even if they are given half a department? Think bigger and for the larger cause of the Nation" .

RK Imo then went on to share a post of "Raghumani For Uripok" page of the BJP MLAs meeting union MoS BL Verma, while stating that it was a "great job by our MLAs who are in Delhi to meet Union Ministers" .

He then expressed "hope the meet will generate and bring more development for the State of Manipur".

The recent moves made by the disgruntled MLAs have raised questions on whether the BJP Government 2.0 will undergo any changes.

The meeting of the BJP MLAs with the union MoS is also a matter of interest.

Since the social media post stated that the MLA team met the union MoS to discuss the border and development issues of Manipur, it is more than debatable whether the MLAs acted on the instructions of the CM N Biren-led state government or not.

According to a report published in The Hindu national daily, a group of BJP MLAs in New Delhi sought intervention of the central leadership of the party for a change of chief minister or at least a rejig in the state cabinet.

Office bearers of the BJP in New Delhi confirmed to The Hindu that at least 10-12 MLAs were in the capital with grievances against N Biren.

Most of the MLAs belong predominantly to the Kuki community, and sources say that one of the causes of their grievance has been the suspension of the SoO agreement of 2008 by the N Biren government in March 2023 .

The agreement was on the suspension of operations against Kuki insurgent groups and locals have now been telling their MLAs that this suspension of operations and the subsequent crackdowns are having an impact on everyday life in Kuki areas.

"BJP in Manipur and the North East has gained ground because of the national leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah but of late because of state BJP and leadership of the state government we are facing some issues.

Leadership in Manipur is not democratic, more like a monarchy and as 2024 approaches we want these issues sorted out," said one rebel MLA, on condition of anonymity.

Senior BJP leaders said that the MLAs will be given a hearing.

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