Dissent buzz in Manipur govt as BJP MLAs camp in Delhi

IMPHAL/NEW DELHI: Speculation over dissension brewing in the N Biren Singh government in Manipur grew as a group of BJP MLAs is in Delhi to meet central leaders, with a senior party functionary from the state saying complaining or taking a dispute to the leadership did not tantamount to indiscipline.
However, a central BJP leader downplayed the development and ruled out any changes in the state government, noting that tussle between different interest groups has been a feature of Manipur politics.
Issues related to demographic and regional grievances are also used by some for political reasons, he said.
State party officials have confirmed that at least four BJP MLAs from Manipur valley are in Delhi to meet central leaders. An unconfirmed number of party MLAs from the Kuki community are also believed to be camping in the national capital.
Uripok MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani, who is among the MLAs from Manipur valley camping in Delhi, posted a picture on Facebook of a meeting with Union minister of state for DoNER B L Verma.
"They (Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Karam Shyam, Paonam Brojen and Raghumani) discussed the border and developmental issues of Manipur," the post said. Another BJP MLA, RK Imo Singh, on his official Facebook account said, "We all are bound by a particular ideology/constitution of the political party we belong to. As Legislators, we have a bounded duty to work as per the programmes and decision of that government/party. One may complain and take the dispute against the leader of the govt/party/minister to the appropriate authority, but not take that dispute to the media as that amounts to attract disciplinary action being taken up against the complainant."
The trip to Delhi to meet national leaders came a day after BJP MLA Karam Shyam of Langthabal constituency resigned on Monday from the chairmanship of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited complaining that he had "not been assigned any responsibility". On April 8, BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyaam of Heirok constituency had resigned from the post of adviser to the CM citing similar grievance.
Another party source said, "The trip is not official but we believe they too went to meet some leaders to express their grievances."