The Manipur unit of the Congress on Saturday questioned a recent meeting between a delegation of Naga legislators from the state, led by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asking why Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was not part of the discussions.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh described the meeting as “unprecedented” and said it raised serious political questions about the functioning of the BJP-led government in Manipur.
“How could a meeting between Manipur Naga MLAs and the Union Home Minister be conducted without the Manipur Chief Minister?” Meghachandra asked, alleging that the exclusion undermined the authority and dignity of the office.
He also questioned the participation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who was part of the delegation, suggesting it reflected political unease within the ruling coalition.
“The meeting shows that Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and the Naga legislators do not have confidence in the present BJP Chief Minister of Manipur,” Meghachandra alleged.
The Congress leader said issues concerning Manipur should be discussed with the active participation of the state’s elected leadership, and questioned why Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio led the delegation instead of the Manipur Chief Minister.
He further urged the BJP-led government to explain why the state’s elected leadership was not collectively represented during discussions with the Union Home Minister on matters affecting Manipur.
Meghachandra also criticised the government’s handling of administration, alleging a lack of transparency and collective responsibility.
Taking a swipe at Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, he said her presence in New Delhi despite adequate security arrangements in the state raised questions about governance priorities. “A deputy chief minister should govern from the state. Operating from Delhi reflects an absence of effective governance in Manipur,” he said.
Before concluding, Meghachandra called the Chief Minister a “paper tiger”, alleging that he lacked the authority to effectively lead the state government.
– Ends
