The Manipur Governor Najma Hepatullah has asked the CM Okram Ibobi Singh to submit his resignation immediately. She said the incumbent CM must resign so that the process of formation of next government can begin immediately.
An officer of the Governor’s house said, “Ibobi Singh, along with deputy chief minister Gaikhamgam and state Congress president T.N. Haokip, had met the Governor last night. The Governor had asked Singh to resign immediately so that she can start the process of government formation.” The source also added that “As per rules, until and unless the present chief minister resigns, the process of formation of the next government cannot be started.”
Another report from the Governor’s office said “It was during the meeting that Ibobi Singh had staked a claim to form the next government by showing a list of 28 Congress MLAs. He also claimed to have the support of four National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs. On seeing the names of the four NPP MLAs on an ordinary piece of paper, Heptullah asked Ibobi Singh to bring the NPP president and the MLAs.”
The Governor rejected this unofficial piece of paper and said that only after meeting the NPP MLAs personally and cross checking with them she would take any decision. After this, the BJP’s 21 winning leaders along with NPP president and four MLAs of the party, one LJP and One Congress MLA and Trinamool Congress MLAs also met the governor. The BJP claimed 32 MLAs in 60 member assembly and staked claim to form the government.
During this proceedings, the Congress party held a meeting and selected Ibobi Singh as the new leader. The Governor is yet to give a decision as to who is eligible to form the government.
