Citing SC's Goa Ruling, Manipur Governor Invites BJP to Form Govt

New Delhi: Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla on Tuesday justified her decision to invite BJP to form the government in the north-eastern state by stating that the party has the requisite numbers.

On Congress's contention that she should have first invited the party to form the government since it emerged as the single largest party after the state Assembly election, Heptulla told reporters, "I do not know what allegations they are making. I am a straight-forward person. I go by the book. I know the rules and regulations."

On being asked about the objections raised by the Congress, she said, "Ruling of Supreme Court says it's the responsibility of Governor is to see who has majority and will work for state's stability."

Clarifying her position on the matter further, the Governor said, "My 37 years in Parliament and 17 years in the Chair (as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman)... when I was a member of the Congress party, I had to work with non-Congress governments, including Janata government, BJP and many others.

On being quizzed regarding the number of ministers who will take oath tomorrow, Heptulla said, "The list will come to me."

Heptullah was on Tuesday invited the Bharatiya Janata Party to form the government in Manipur.

Earlier, Four Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs met Heptulla and extended their support to the BJP for formation of the new government in the state.

Heptulla on Monday had asked incumbent Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to submit his resignation immediately, so that the process of formation of the next government can be started.

The Congress had won 28 seats in Manipur, followed by the BJP at 21. The NPP and the NPF have won four seats each, while the LJP and the Trinamool Congress have bagged one seat each.