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As the BJP in-charge for Manipur, Patra is responsible for maintaining political stability in the state on behalf of the party
The Manipur Congress unit has strongly opposed Patra’s visit, alleging that his presence is intended to prevent the convening of an Assembly session. (Photo: PTI file)
BJP’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, who has been stationed in Manipur following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, was granted Z-category security cover in the state on Thursday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision comes after the President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday. According to sources, the security cover was provided following an Intelligence Bureau’s report indicating that Patra could be targeted. The BJP leader has been playing a crucial role in selecting the next Chief Minister of Manipur on behalf of the party, which holds a majority in the state.
As the BJP’s co-ordinator for Manipur, Patra is responsible for maintaining political stability in the state on behalf of the party. He met the Governor on Tuesday alongside BJP state president A Sharda Devi.
Patra has emerged as a key crisis manager for the party in the state. On Wednesday, he held an important meeting with BJP MLAs, including State Consumer Affairs Minister L. Susindro and MLA Karam Shyam.
The Manipur Congress unit has strongly opposed Patra’s visit, alleging that his presence is intended to prevent the convening of an Assembly session.
Security sources stated that given the unstable situation in Manipur and Patra’s frequent travel to multiple locations, he has been provided with personal security cover. However, the cover is limited to Manipur and does not extend to other parts of the country, an official confirmed.
Manipur came under the President’s rule after the BJP leadership failed to name a new Chief Minister following N. Biren Singh’s resignation.
The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The official notification reads: “I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, have received a report from the Governor of the State of Manipur and, after considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India (hereinafter referred to as the Constitution).”
