Imphal: The return of the NPP MLA’s to the BJP lead government in Manipur signaled an end to the political crisis in the state. The move to placate one alliance partner has another wanting more.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF), also an ally of present BJP-led government, is negotiating for more cabinet berths, in addition to the two they already have.
Both NPP and NPF have four MLAs each in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. NPP bagged four ministerial berths, including deputy chief minister and health minister portfolios wherein NPF got two in the BJP-led government before the political crisis cropped up.
“Government knows our sincerity and sacrifices we have made and the principle we had during the political turbulence. And, so we are hopeful and expecting that the government will accommodate additional portfolios to our party MLAs,” said one of the NPF party workers.
There are also reports of trouble brewing within the BJP. According to sources some of its party MLAs are still unhappy with the chief minister.
Meanwhile, the Four National People’s Party (NPP) legislators who had revoked their earlier decision and rejoined the BJP-led coalition government in Manipur have retained their ministerial berths.
Their portfolios will be assigned after chief minister N Biren Singh’s meeting with central BJP leaders. For this. Singh is likely to travel to Delhi soon, sources said.
“The portfolios to be given to NPP ministers would be decided after talking with BJP Central leaders,” CM Biren Singh informed media persons.
On June 25, the four NPP MLAs met governor Najma Heptulla and submitted a letter expressing their renewed support to the present N Biren Singh-led coalition government in Manipur. The four NPP members were accompanied by party chief Conrad Sangma and Assam senior minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma.
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As per reports, NPP MLAs and party office bearers held a meeting on Friday to discuss the prevailing political scenario in the state. However, party members are yet to disclose the terms of the agreement under which the party MLAs decided to re-support to the BJP-led government.
Despite several attempts, NPP leaders were unreachable for comment.
The return of the four NPP MLAs marked the end of the frantic political crisis in Manipur. However, there are some reports of fresh crisis brewing within the BJP party. According to sources some of its party MLAs are still unhappy with the chief minister.
Also Read: Manipur political crisis: 4 NPP MLAs to meet BJP leaders in Delhi
