Naming CM candidate prerogative of central leaders: BJP MLA
No rift in Manipur BJP, party dismisses defection claims
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2025: Though eight BJP MLAs held a meeting on Wednesday evening for deliberation on extending support to the Centre's efforts for creating a conducive atmosphere in the state to form a new government they have no right to appoint a leader, conceded Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha, stating that the party's central leader will have the final say on the chief ministerial candidate.

"The meeting did not discuss regarding government formation or appointment of a new leader," the MLA informed media persons on Thursday at the Tera Bazar residence of Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeshor (Keba) .

Naming CM candidate prerogative of central leaders: BJP MLA

The press conference was also attended by MLAs Karam Shyam, Kh Joykisan, Govindas Konthoujam, Salam Rajen, Y Khemchand and Sapam Kunjakeshore.

MLA Dr Y Radheshyam, who took part in Wednesday's meeting, was unable to attend the press conference owing to health issues.

On behalf of the eight MLAs, Kh Ibomcha told media persons that legislators of the state are well aware of the people's sentiments regarding the need for a popular government in the state.

He noted that while there is high possibility of the Centre taking up steps for formation of a new government, creating a conducive atmosphere in the state is the priority, adding that the Centre is working hard in this regard.

"The Centre is also working to ensure free movement along the national highways, return of displaced persons to their original homes and most importantly, initiate dialogue with stakeholders concerned to restore peace and normalcy," he said, adding that BJP MLAs are extending maximum support to the Centre's efforts.

According to Kh Ibomcha, eight senior MLAs of BJP met on Wednesday evening to discuss how they could assist the Centre's efforts in ensuring a conducive atmosphere in the state before forming a popular government with the completion of three months of imposition of President's Rule in the state.

He, however, reiterated that the meeting did not discuss anything about government formation or appointment of a new leader, stating that the eight MLAs have no right to appoint a new leader.

He reiterated that the BJP has a tradition of appointing the chief ministerial candidate by the central leaderships.

Apart from discussing the current situation in the state and exploring ways to create a conducive environment for restoring a popular government, the meeting focused on ensuring safe passage on all highways to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods and creating conditions for IDPs to safely return to their homes, a crucial step towards normalcy, said the Lamlai MLA.

He clarified that the meeting did not discuss potential leadership for the popular government, as the Centre would decide on the chief minister based on expertise and situation.

The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions and violence in Manipur, with the BJP-led government facing challenges from allies like the National People's Party (NPP), which withdrew its support, citing the government's failure to restore normalcy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the situation, holding meetings to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, BJP Manipur Pradesh on Thursday said all its legislators are united and will continue to stand together in the future.

The statement came in the wake of social media posts and some local media reports claiming that some BJP MLAs were planning to join hands with the opposition Congress to form a new government in the state.

The state has been under President's rule since February 13.Dismissing the reports as baseless, the BJP in a statement said, "All legislators of the BJP stand with the party and will continue to do so in the future".

The BJP also condemned the spread of misinformation about its MLAs joining forces with Congress.

The party appealed to all to exercise caution and responsibility while exercising their right to free speech, particularly during such sensitive times in the state.