A hollow political posture amid a crisis unfolding

The political theatrics in Manipur, marked by a group of ten MLAs meeting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today to urge the formation of a popular government, reflects a disturbing lack of seriousness and clarity in leadership at a time when the state continues to grapple with unprecedented turmoil. While the delegation — comprising eight BJP MLAs and two allies — claimed the support of 44 legislators, their reluctance or failure to name a leader who could stake a formal claim to govern exposes the superficial nature of the move. It was more spectacle than substance, and it underscores a broader problem: the absence of cohesive and courageous political will.
This so-called majority deliberately excludes the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven of whom are from the BJP itself. The implications are grave. Any attempt to form a government without their participation would further deepen the already fractured social and political fabric of the state. In effect, it could embolden demands for a separate administration — a possibility that grows increasingly real as the Kuki-Zo leadership and communities continue to voice their grievances and seek autonomy.
The MLAs claim to want peace and stability, but their actions contradicts their words. Before aspiring to form a new government, the pressing issue that ought to unite all MLAs — regardless of party affiliations or ethnic loyalties — is the urgent need to demand the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Kuki armed groups, namely the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF). It is no secret that the root of the ongoing crisis stems from the state’s failure to address the unchecked power and influence of these armed factions operating under the veil of SoO, which has allowed them to regroup and further destabilize the region. Yet, this core issue remains conveniently sidelined.
The timing of this political maneuvering is telling. Just a day earlier, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also called on the Governor, purportedly to discuss the prevailing crisis, particularly the Gwaltabi incident — where security forces allegedly forced the removal of the state’s name from a government bus ferrying journalists. The incident triggered an emotional and spontaneous public response, including protests and the burning of effigies of the Governor, Chief Secretary, and DGP. Despite such visible public outrage, none of the MLAs — not even the former Chief Minister — have shown the spine to place strong and unequivocal demands before the Governor. Their approach remains circumspect, avoiding real confrontation and responsibility.
That the state continues under President’s Rule since February 13, with the assembly in suspended animation, is itself a telling indictment of political failure. The claim by the ten MLAs that a popular government would resolve the crisis rings hollow unless they are willing to confront the real threats and take bold positions. Their actions must go beyond symbolic gestures and lukewarm memoranda. If they are truly serious about restoring democracy and order, the path forward must begin by uniting all ethnic communities, not excluding some to protect partisan or personal interests.
Furthermore, the fact that these MLAs appeared before the Governor without a chosen leader — even as they claim to command the majority — suggests internal rifts and the lack of consensus within their own camp. It raises the question: Is this push for government formation driven by a genuine desire to serve the people or simply an attempt to reclaim political relevance? Without a clear roadmap or leadership, their move seems more like a publicity stunt than a solution to the ongoing crisis.
At a time when over 260 lives have been lost, thousands rendered homeless, and the state continues to suffer the consequences of prolonged conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, such political performances do little to inspire confidence. The public, as demonstrated by the protests over the Gwaltabi incident, is not fooled by cosmetic moves. They demand action, accountability, and above all, sincerity.
Manipur does not need another round of shadowboxing among political aspirants. What it needs is a bold, honest, and inclusive political initiative that can confront the core issues head-on — from the ethnic divide to the armed militancy shielded by outdated agreements. Until then, any talk of popular government remains just that — talk.