Has BJP’s strength declined in the hills? BJP supports NSCN IM’s frontal NPF for Outer Manipur

Everyone knows that the Naga People’s Front, NPF, is the brainchild of NSCN IM. Now the question arises: Is NSCN IM a pro-Manipur organization? The answer is a clear and resounding ‘NO’. We are all familiar with its history. The NSCN-IM, or National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah faction, is historically associated with advocating for the interests of the Naga community rather than working in the interest of Manipur. The ceasefire between NSCN IM and the central government during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time almost tore the state apart. Even though the ceasefire was not formally extended to Manipur, it faced enormous protests in the valley. However, it was de facto implemented in the hills of Manipur due to the policies of the central government at that time.
In the electoral landscape of Outer Manipur, a region comprising 28 assembly constituencies, the political influence of the Meitei demographic is prominently observed in eight key constituencies: Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnu, and Jiribam. Among the over 10 lakh voters constituting Outer Manipur, a substantial portion totaling 2.5 lakhs hails from these Meitei-dominated areas. In this context, the selection of a candidate by the major political parties from the Naga community is imperative. Fielding a Kuki candidate might alienate Meitei voters and fail to garner significant support from both Meiteis and most Nagas in the constituency.
Similarly, for the BJP, it is crucial that the candidate belongs to the Naga community. This is because giving a ticket to a Kuki candidate will lead to problems with the Meitei community, and the candidate will not win, given that Meiteis in the outer parliamentary constituency and most Nagas will not vote for the candidate. These are the limitations within which they are operating. The very fact that BJP Manipur is supporting NPF and is unable to field its own candidate is not just a testament to the declining strength of the BJP but also shows that it can support organizations that have been working towards breaking the territorial integrity of Manipur. Some may say that not naming a Kuki candidate shows BJP is working against Kuki, but we should also understand that BJP is not naming anyone as a candidate.
From this, it is evident that they have no one whom they think can win in the LS election among the Nagas. It could imply that BJP’s inability to find a winning candidate among the Nagas further highlights its diminishing political influence in the hills of Manipur. Moreover, BJP’s delay in announcing the candidate for the Inner seat also indicates that they are encountering challenges in identifying a viable candidate who stands a good chance of winning. Are these the signs that the end is near?