Imphal: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader O Ibobi Singh has sought the Manipur Governor’s advice to the state government, particularly to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, regarding alleged threats made against House members planning to move a no-confidence motion in the upcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly session, scheduled to begin on February 10.
The Governor of Manipur has summoned the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly to convene on February 10. Speaking to the media on Monday, outside the Governor’s Raj Bhavan, CLP leader Ibobi Singh alleged that on January 14, during an interaction programme at the BJP office in Keishampat, Chief Minister N Biren Singh issued threats to House members who were considering moving a no-confidence motion in the Assembly.
“In that meeting, Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that if any member moves a no-confidence motion, they will not be able to proceed with it. Furthermore, he warned that if any member attempts to move the motion, they will not be able to stay in their house as people will rush them,” said Ibobi Singh.
Describing the remarks as uncivilized and unbecoming of a leader, Ibobi Singh asserted that such statements undermine the democratic rights of elected representatives. He emphasized that every legislator has the constitutional right to raise motions, following the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the state Assembly.
“He should not speak in such a manner. It is our right and privilege as members, granted by the Constitution of India, to exercise our legislative powers. Every state has its own procedural rules, and we will fully exercise our constitutional rights,” Ibobi Singh said.
In response to the alleged threats, opposition members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly have submitted a memorandum to the Governor, urging him to advise the state government, particularly Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on upholding parliamentary democracy and ensuring the safety of legislators.
Expressing concern over potential disruptions during the Assembly session, Ibobi Singh said, “We have informed the Governor and urged him to advise the state government, especially the Chief Minister, to ensure that the Assembly proceedings are conducted in a fair and democratic manner. If anything happens during the session, the state government will bear sole responsibility.”
When asked about the no-confidence motion, Ibobi Singh stated that a final decision would be made after discussions with other members. The unfolding political developments are expected to shape the course of the Manipur Assembly session, making it a crucial test for the Biren Singh-led government.
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