Wed Feb 12 07:04:57 UTC 2025: **BJP Scrambled to Find Manipur’s Next Chief Minister After Biren Singh’s Resignation**

Imphal, Manipur – Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the BJP is racing against time to find a consensus candidate to replace him, avoiding the imposition of President’s Rule. BJP Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra held a series of meetings in Imphal on Monday with senior party MLAs, including those who had previously opposed Singh.

While the party aims for a swift resolution, the task is complicated by several factors. Seven Kuki-Zo MLAs, who have boycotted assembly sessions since May due to the ongoing ethnic conflict, have stated they will not work with a Meitei Chief Minister. While Kuki-Zo civil society organizations have rejected the idea of another Meitei leader replacing Singh, the MLAs themselves remain silent, planning a meeting on Tuesday to discuss their position.

Several names are circulating as potential successors. These include state Cabinet minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, known for his support within the RSS; current Speaker Thockchom Satyabrata Singh; Thongam Biswajit Singh, a long-serving cabinet member; and Thockchom Radheshyam Singh, a former IPS officer and dissident.

Sources indicate that the BJP is determined to avoid President’s Rule, considering it a last resort if a consensus candidate cannot be chosen by the MLAs. Patra is expected to submit potential names to the central leadership soon, after which a meeting of MLAs will be held to make the final decision. Until then, Biren Singh remains in charge as interim Chief Minister.

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