Speaker bats for popular Govt; Sharda meets JP Nanda
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 19 2025: Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata on Thursday said that although he earnestly desired a popular government in the state at the earliest, he chose to distance himself from the reported coalition of MLAs aimed at forming a new government.

He made the remark on the sidelines of an inauguration function of newly-constructed Shree Shree Gopinath Mandap at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai.

Responding to media query, Satyabrata said that he was aware of discussions and media reports suggesting that MLAs are forming groups and that central leaders might be sent to the state to help establish a new government.

Speaker bats for popular Govt; Sharda meets JP Nanda

However, he made it clear that he was not part of any such group and therefore inappropriate to comment further on the matter.

Satyabrata emphasised the need for forming a popular government within a specific time frame, warning that any further delay could lead to complications.

Satyabrata opined that change in the administration in the state, which is currently under the President's rule, is inevitable.

"I heard that groups are being constituted for the formation of a government.

I also heard someone from Delhi will be deputed for the government formation.

However, I am not involved in anything as I am in the assembly".

The Speaker also said he believes that legislators will continue to work as per the wishes of the people.

"A definite change will certainly come as the duration of the President's rule has a specific time frame.

A popular government should be formed," the Yaiskul constituency MLA said.

The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in strife-torn Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.

The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in Parliament confirmed the imposition of the President's rule in April.

The President's rule can be extended for a further period of six months at a time by approval of both Houses of Parliament by a simple majority.

The President's rule cannot be extended beyond a period of three years in total.

Speaking at the formal function, Satyabrata expressed that as the mandap and shrine of Shree Shree Gopinath had long been in a poor condition, he was happy to rebuild and hand them over to the public.

He informed that the structures were constructed using his local area development fund.

The dedication ceremony was presided over by Yaiskul Naharol Shinglup Marup president Asem Amuba while Manipur State Kala Akademi awardee Achom Tampha Singh, Shinglup secretary Laishram Pradeep and YVO/YAC president Sorokhaibam Sarchandra were the guests of honour.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda, who is currently in Delhi, met with the party's national president JP Nadda, urged the latter to help bring about an effective solution to the prevailing crisis and facilitate the formation of a popular government in Manipur.

The state president had been meeting with BJP national leaders at the party's organisational level to discuss the current situation in Manipur, and the peoples wish for a popular government.

On Thursday, Sharda met JP Nadda around 5:45 pm and discussed in detail the crisis situation in Manipur.

She also conveyed the people's wish for having a popular government in the state, according to a reliable source.

The source further said that Sharda is still undecided yet on when she would return to Imphal.

However, she plans to meet with other party leaders.

Earlier, she met with BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and apprised the latter of the situation in Manipur.

In response, Santosh assured to extend all possible help and support from the centre.

It may be mentioned here that former CM N Biren and Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba had met the Union Home Minister in this regard, and the latter had conveyed the centre's intent to form a popular government in the state.

BJP MLAs along with legislators of allied parties had also submitted a written letter to the Governor of Manipur for forming a popular government in the state.

The state BJP president had also held a meeting with party MLAs to urge the central leaders for the same.