BJP wins floor test in Manipur
Manipur's BJP Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh won the floor test in the Manipur assembly, having got support from 33 MPs. The BJP's Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the Speaker of the state assembly. Khemchand was elected by voice vote before the floor test commenced. Himanta Biswa Sarma who scripted BJP's success in the state, said "No confusion. It's a clear majority."
BJP submitted a list of 32 MLAs who support the party, to Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah, proving that they have the majority in the state. The National People's Party (4), Naga People's Front (4), LJP (1) and two independent candidates extended support to the BJP. However, Congress CM Ibobi Singh also approached the governor, saying as the largest party, Congress should be allowed first.
For the last 15 years, Congress has been in power in Manipur and is confident of coming back to power for the fourth time. The BJP planned to go it alone in the upcoming elections and is confident of taking on Naga People's Front. For the first time, new party 'People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance' founded by activist Irom Sharmila contested elections.
After reports of poll rigging, at least one polling station in Saikul constituency voted thrice in seven days. 28 polling stations went for repolling on March 9, and then again on March 10 after more allegations of booth capturing.
The BJP has named N Biren Singh as their Chief Ministerial candidate in Manipur. Singh was the only potential Chief Ministerial candidate within the BJP. Meanwhile, CM Ibobi Singh resigned after Governor Najma Heptullah said government formation in a hung assembly requires that the Chief Minister quit. Singh had demanded that he be allowed to conduct the floor test first.
The BJP's N Biren Singh has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Manipur, while the NPP's Y Joykumar Singh took oath as the deputy chief minister. This is the first time the BJP has come to power in Manipur. It won 21 seats and got support from 11 MPs. Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla invited the BJP to form the government.
