N Biren likely to be sworn-in tomorrow as first BJP CM of Manipur

Imphal: Mr Nongthombam Biren may be sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of Manipur tomorrow. A national-level football player in his early days, N. Biren began his career as a journalist and served as Editor of a local vernacular daily, ‘Naharolgi Thoudang’, before entering the political arena.

The 56-year-old Arts graduate of Manipur University, will be the 12th chief minister of the state, unseating Manipur’s longest serving chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who had led an Indian National Congress (INC) government for three consecutive terms. The swearing-in will take place at the Raj Bhawan.

The BJP alliance is confident of having the numbers to form the government. Four members of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) had earlier sent a fax message to Governor Najma Heptullah extending their support. They also called on the Governor in person today.

The NPF has reportedly demanded a Cabinet berth and post of Parliamentary Secretaries for the other three MLAs. Mr 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 also has the support of the lone LJP member.

The Trinamool Congress MLA will also extend support to the BJP, it was stated. However, Trinamool MLA Robindro has not appeared before the Governor in person. Though O. Ibobi Singh-led Congress managed to emerge as the single largest party in the assembly polls by bagging 28 seats, the BJP, which had come at the second position with 21 seats, cobbled up a coalition to stake claim to lead its first-ever government in Manipur. The Congress failed to retain majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, bringing curtains on Ibobi’s tenure as the chief minister and the party’s consecutive governments in the state. (UNI)