Governor appoints Nipamacha as CM

The swearing-in ceremony was likely to take place on Thursday, the statement added.

Nipamacha Singh had earlier submitted resignation letter along with the council of ministers and the Governor accepted the resignation but asked Singh to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made, the statement said.

Governor Ved Marwah had dissolved the sixth Legislative Assembly after the State cabinet recommended it and constituted the seventh Assembly.

The statement said earlier the Election Commission secretary K R Prasad handed over a copy of the commission notification to the Governor constituting the seventh Manipur Legislative Assembly.

With this the polling process of 58 assembly seats in the State was over.

Singh’s United Front had become the largest block securing 29 seats (Manipur State Congress Party 23, Federal Party of Manipur 6) in the 60-member Assembly.

MSCP sources said the strength of UF, comprising Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) and Federal Party of Manipur (FPM), has gone up to 39 with the joining of 10 MLAs to their side. The ten were four from NCP, three from MPP, one from RJD, one from JD (U) and one Independent.

This will be Nipamacha Singh’s second consecutive term as Chief Minister.

Repolling at 38 polling stations of Henglep constituency and election to Tipaimukh seat, which was adjourned earlier following killing of a candidate, would be held on March eight.