Manipur Governor orders upcoming Assembly session null & void
In a shocking turn of events, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla has declared the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which was set to start from February 10, “null and void” with immediate effect. This decision comes after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on Sunday, tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
The sudden cancellation of the Assembly session has sent shockwaves across the state, with many wondering about the implications for the state’s politics and governance. The decision has also raised questions about the future of the N Biren Singh-led government, which had been facing a crisis of confidence in recent months.
According to sources, Chief Minister N Biren Singh met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday and tendered his resignation. The Governor, in turn, accepted the resignation and issued a notification declaring the upcoming Assembly session null and void. This move has effectively stalled the no-confidence motion that was slated to be tabled in the Assembly, which was seen as a major blow to the ruling coalition.
The no-confidence motion was moved by the opposition Congress party, which had been critical of the government’s handling of various issues, including corruption, law and order, and economic development. The Congress party had been demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, citing allegations of corruption and mismanagement of state funds.
The cancellation of the Assembly session has come as a surprise to many, as it was expected to be a crucial test of strength for the ruling coalition. The opposition parties had been gearing up to present their no-confidence motion, and the ruling party had been preparing to defend its government.
The reasons behind the Chief Minister’s sudden resignation are not yet clear, but sources suggest that it may be linked to the internal rift within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). There have been reports of dissidence within the party, with some MLAs reportedly unhappy with the leadership and demanding a change.
The cancellation of the Assembly session has also raised questions about the future of the state’s governance. With the Chief Minister gone, it is unclear who will take charge of the government. The Governor may have to take charge of the administration until a new Chief Minister is appointed, but this would be a temporary arrangement.
The opposition parties, on the other hand, are seen as gaining an upper hand in the political situation. The Congress party, in particular, is likely to benefit from the crisis, as it had been critical of the government and had been demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation.
The decision to cancel the Assembly session has also raised concerns about the rule of law and democracy in the state. The opposition parties have accused the ruling party of using undemocratic means to stall the no-confidence motion, while the ruling party has claimed that the decision was taken to maintain stability and prevent chaos.
The situation in Manipur is likely to remain fluid in the coming days, with many expecting a new development soon. The Governor may have to take charge of the administration, and a new Chief Minister may be appointed. The opposition parties, on the other hand, may seek to capitalize on the crisis and push for early elections.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the Assembly session in Manipur is a significant development in the state’s political landscape. The sudden resignation of the Chief Minister and the subsequent decision to declare the Assembly session null and void have raised many questions about the future of the state’s governance. While the ruling party may have gained a temporary reprieve, the opposition parties are likely to continue to push for their demands and seek to capitalize on the crisis.
