Hopeful of a popular Govt soon: Speaker
One to one meet with Governor held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2025: Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata has expressed strong belief that the Centre may soon give nod to formation of a popular Government in Manipur after reviewing the State's situation.

The Speaker attended the 136th death anniversary of General Balaram Sougaijamba held today at Moirangkhom Sougaijam Lampak under the aegis of the General Balaram Sougaijamba.

Replying to queries raised by media persons by the sideline of the function, Satyabrata pointed out that the President's Rule was imposed on February 13 and it is completing three months soon.

He said that he has learnt about a letter submitted by 21 MLAs to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently seeking reinstallation of a popular Government in the State as per the people's wish.

"Being the Speaker, I cannot join the MLAs' initiative for reinstallation of a popular Government.

As such, I'm staying away from the same initiative", he said.

"Yet, I'm hopeful that the Centre would soon install a popular Government in Manipur after reviewing the State's situation thoroughly", Satyabrata said.

Later in the afternoon, the Speaker held a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan and the two talked for over 37 minutes.

But what transpired at the meeting could not be ascertained.

On being contacted, the Speaker said that his visit to the Raj Bhavan was not official but personal.

He said that their talk touched on the prevailing situation of Manipur and the people's wish for a popular Government.

However, another source said that the Speaker and the Governor talked on the current situation of Manipur and formation of a popular Government in place of the existing President's Rule.

Satyabrata and Ajay Kumar Bhalla talked about the need to show strength and support of at least 31 MLAs in order to form a popular Government.

As per the Constitution of India, the name of a leader and names of MLAs who support him/her should be submitted to the Governor before a new popular Government is formed.

Notably, BJP MLAs Paonam Brojen, Dr Yumnam Radheshyam and Kh Raghumani submitted a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 29 seeking the Centre's concurrence to form a new popular Government as per the people's wish.

The letter was signed between 21 MLAs including 13 from BJP, three each from NPP and NPF and two Independents.

Comment