BJP Indicates Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Will Get Another Chance

Manipur Elections 2022: This is the first time that the top leadership of the party has projected him as the leader during this election.

The BJP today indicated that they have decided on the Chief Minister candidate in Manipur for the upcoming state assembly elections. At a poll rally in the state this evening, BJP National President J.P Nadda indicated in his public address that party MLAs will be led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh if the BJP wins and goes on to form the new government in the state. This is the first time that the top leadership of the party has projected him as the leader during this year's assembly elections. The party had not initially officially named him the CM candidate and there were strong speculations of a leadership change if the BJP comes to power.

"We are not asking for votes for our candidates to merely win the elections. We want to continue the development work led by N Biren Singh again. He led the government very well. The situation has changed in Manipur - it's doing well in sports. Biren Singh was a football player himself," Mr Nadda said.

Earlier this week, at the launch of the Chief Minister's poll campaign in his stronghold Heingang where he has been winning since 2002, senior BJP leader and the party's Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra had hinted that Mr Singh would lead the party in the northeastern state. "We take a lot of pride to acknowledge that BJP is contesting elections under the able leadership of Biren Singh ji because of the good governance and development that his government has provided," he had said.

Mr Patra had then pointed to Mr Singh and added, "There is no doubt in our minds that we will win with a two-thirds majority and form the government under your leadership."