The BJP-led government in Manipur came under crisis on Wednesday night, as nine MLAs supporting the government, which included three from the BJP itself, withdrew their support to the government, along with the BJP MLAs resigning and joining the Congress.
Manipur has a 60-member assembly, with eight Congress MLAs who supported the current Chief Minister Biren Singh in 2017. As a result of going against their party and supporting the BJP led coalition, one of the eight Congress MLAs is already disqualified and seven others have been barred by the Manipur High Court from the premises of the assembly till the Speaker gives a decision on their disqualification.
After Wednesday’s development, the three former BJP MLAs have also now resigned, all of which brings down the effective strength of the house to 49. The majority mark will be 25. While the BJP has the support of 23 MLAs, the Congress is supported by 26. The SPF or Secular Progressive Front, which consists of the rebel BJP and NPP MLAs also has the support of one Trinamool Congress and one Independent MLA and is led by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, has urged the Governor to call a special assembly session for the floor test. All eyes are on when the Governor will call for the floor test.
The No-Confidence motion, however, could not stop the BJP led government from winning the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state. While pundits forecasted that the ascendant numbers on the Congress side will create trouble for the party in the election for the Rajya Sabha seat in state, the part that made the difference was that cross voting is allowed in the Rajya Sabha. The BJP-led government, on Friday struck a defiant note after the party won the seat from the state.
The CM Biren Singh said, “Many members from Congress and others are supporting us. MLAs are coming forward to support our government’s work for development and welfare of the state. The decision on floor test will be taken by Governor but as of today, we’ve seen who got the majority.” after the BJP’s Leisemba Sanajaboa emerged victorious over Congress’ T Mangibabu.
While only time will tell if the likes of Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma will be able to save the government in Manipur, this is definitely a wakeup call for the saffron party that is currently ruling the north-eastern states.
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