Imphal, Feb. 12 -- Former Manipur Chief Minister and Congress Legislator Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh has asked the BJP Central leaders to elect a new Chief Minister of their choice as soon as possible and restore peace and normalcy in the state.

Talking to newsmen, the veteran politician said, that if the Centre wanted, a new Chief Minister could have been sworn in on the day N Biren tendered his resignation and accepted his resignation by the governor on the same day on Sunday.

The CLP leader said that the Assembly session could have proceeded as scheduled on February 10.

At the directive of the central BJP leaders, a new Chief Minister may be sworn in even at midnight, if necessary, he said, stating that keeping the State Assembly...