Photo Credit: The Hindu
In a significant political twist in Manipur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed the support of 44 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), expressing readiness to form the next state government. This development comes after months of political uncertainty, ethnic conflict, and the imposition of President’s Rule earlier this year.
BJP Meets Governor, Stakes Claim to Form Government
On Monday evening, BJP leader and MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh led a delegation of ten MLAs to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Following the meeting, Radheshyam confidently stated that the BJP had secured the support of 44 MLAs—well above the halfway mark in the 60-member Assembly.
“We have the numbers. We are ready to form the government in the interest of the people of Manipur,” he told reporters.
The move comes as a major political push by the BJP to re-establish control in the state after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned in February 2025, following months of unrest triggered by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Backdrop: Ethnic Violence, Resignation, and President’s Rule
Manipur has been reeling under political paralysis and ethnic violence since May 2023. The tensions, mainly between the Meitei and Kuki communities have led to over 250 deaths, thousands of displacements, and a complete breakdown of civil administration in parts of the state.
In February 2025, unable to quell the unrest and facing mounting political pressure, CM N Biren Singh stepped down, paving the way for President’s Rule, which has remained in effect since.
Internal Rift and BJP’s Battle to Regain Trust
Although the BJP claims majority support now, the road hasn’t been smooth. The party, which held 37 seats after the 2022 Assembly elections, has been dealing with internal dissent. Reports suggest that 19 BJP MLAs skipped a crucial meeting convened by the Chief Minister late last year, raising concerns over factionalism within the party.
The National People’s Party (NPP), a key former ally, had also withdrawn its support, alleging the BJP-led administration mishandled the ethnic crisis and failed to restore peace.
Amid this backdrop, the BJP’s fresh claim of 44 MLAs backing it suggests successful back-channel negotiations and possible realignment of political forces in the state.
Public Pressure Mounts: Civil Society Demands Action
Public patience is wearing thin. On May 27, just a day before the BJP’s formal claim, a group of women protesters in Imphal rallied outside the Assembly complex, demanding that elected representatives either form a government or resign. The protest underlined a growing sentiment among the citizens: Manipur can no longer afford a governance vacuum.
“The state is burning. People are suffering. If you can’t govern, step aside and let someone else lead,” one protestor was quoted as saying.
Congress Slams BJP’s Delay and Inaction
The Congress has been quick to respond, accusing the BJP of deliberate delays and constitutional negligence. Congress leaders claim the BJP is “buying time” and avoiding accountability, even as law and order deteriorate and central forces remain deployed across the state.
They’ve also criticized Governor Bhalla for allegedly not calling a special session of the Assembly or inviting the majority party to form a government sooner, calling it a blow to democratic norms.
