Gov invites BJP to form govt in Manipur, swearing-in ceremony to be held tomorrow
14 March, Imphal
Governor Najma Heptulla has invited the BJP to form the government in Manipur.
Nongthombam Biren will be sworn in as the first chief minister of the BJP tomorrow at Raj Bhawan at 1300 hours.
Dr Heptulla said, “The responsibility of the Governor vested by the Constitution is to weigh and measure the stability of the state and hence BJP was invited to form the government.”
She said she knew that the Congress got the highest number of seats in the elections.
Okram Ibobi Singh, former chief minister, also met her twice to stake claim to form the government.
“It is good to have stability and the vote of strength should be done by March 22 or 23,” she said. She congratulated the people for coming out in such large numbers, which is the highest in the country, for exercising their right to franchise.
In some constituencies, the turn out was more than 90 per cent, she said.
She further said she expects the Congress to play the role of a responsible Opposition and the BJP to play the role of a responsible government. The BJP alliance is confident of having the numbers to form the government.
Four members of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) had earlier faxed to the Governor extending their support. They also called on the Governor in person today.
She said that it is not necessary to invite the party with the single largest party.
During her long stint of 37 years as a parliamentarian and 17 years in the Chair she did not get any complain of partiality.
She said BJP has the requisite numbers to form the government.
The NPF has reportedly demanded a Cabinet berth and post of Parliamentary Secretaries for the other three MLAs.
Awangbou Newmai, was also elected as the Leader of the NPF.
The BJP with 21 MLAs has roped in NPP and NPF with four MLAs each.
It has also the support of the lone LJP member.
Robindro, the Trinamool Congress MLA, will also extend support to the BJP, it was stated.
However, the MLA has not appeared before the Governor in person.