Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who went to New Delhi with BJP state president S Tikendra Singh to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Imphal on Tuesday. Biren and Tikendra were accompanied by Baijayant Panda, BJP national vice president on their return journey to the state, sparking speculation and rumours on possible reshuffle.
Even before the arrival of the chief minister’s team, social media was flooded with the same rumours, of a reshuffle, to the extent of naming a handful MLAs who were possible contenders for ministerial berth. Former MLA of Wangkhei O Henry Singh; former MLA Wangoi O Lukhoi; sitting MLA of Thanlon, Vunzagin Valte and Yaiskul MLA Th. Satyabrata were among the contenders.
However, responding to queries of the media at the airport, Biren said, “As far as my knowledge is concerned I doubt that there will be an immediate reshuffle. As far as the visit of BJP central leader is concerned we have to wait and watch. We will go by the decision of the central leadership”.
Post the visit of the CM’s team, a resignation letter purportedly of Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian surfaced in social media. However, another letter claiming to be signed by the minister surfaced, clarifying that the resignation letter earlier circulated in the social media was fake.
Biren and Tikendra left Imphal for New Delhi on Monday morning to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
A highly placed source said the two will discuss issues pertaining to the political development of the state with Amit Shah among others.
It is learnt the duo had earlier sought an appointment to meet the Union Home Minister. However, the meeting was delayed owing to Amit Shah’s health condition who had recently recovered from COVID-19. The appointment was approved by the Home Minister’s office late Sunday evening.
