Biren, Biswajit in Delhi again for decision on CM

The two contenders for the post have been summoned by the party leadership twice in five days

Manipur’s caretaker Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh and former Minister Thongam Biswajit flew to Delhi from State capital Imphal on Saturday for a possible end to the suspense on who will be the next CM.

This was the second time in five days that the BJP’s central leadership summoned them to Delhi.

BJP insiders said the two flew out of Imphal in separate flights, Mr. Biswajit landing in the national capital much ahead of Mr. Singh. They had on March 15 taken a chartered flight together with State BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda and other party leaders, but returned to Imphal two days later in separate flights.

Ms. Sharda attributed the flight plans to the time factor and convenience of travel.

“The party leadership is scheduled to sit down with Mr. Singh and Mr. Biswajit late Saturday evening, possibly for deciding on the next CM. Whether the leadership will meet the two leaders together or separately is not known,” a BJP leader in Imphal said.

The BJP returned to power in Manipur by winning 32 Assembly seats, one more than the simple majority mark in the 60-member House.