Manipur’s Political Paralysis: A Crisis of Leadership and Governance

The political crisis in Manipur has entered a critical stage, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite having an absolute majority in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, failing to appoint a new Chief Minister even four days after N. Biren Singh’s resignation on February 9. This delay in leadership selection reflects a deeper malaise in the democratic process, particularly in the state, where the principles of democratic governance appear to be eroding under external influence.
In a healthy democracy, the leader of the House is traditionally elected by the elected members of the ruling party. However, in Manipur, as in many other states, this practice has become obsolete, with the central leadership of national parties exerting ultimate control over the selection process. BJP’s North East in-charge, MP Sambit Patra, has been meeting BJP MLAs separately, as well as engaging with the Governor on multiple occasions. Yet, no concrete decision has emerged, leaving the state in an extended period of uncertainty.
Adding to the intrigue, several BJP MLAs, including a former minister, have reportedly flown to Delhi for further consultations, presumably at the behest of the central leadership. This continued deferral of decision-making raises serious concerns about the BJP’s internal discord and the lack of a clear strategy for governance in Manipur.
Meanwhile, the prolonged failure to summon an Assembly session is another glaring constitutional violation. Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution mandates that the state legislature must meet at least once every six months. This requirement has not been met, escalating the political deadlock and weakening democratic institutions in the state. The inaction of both the state and central governments in addressing this fundamental requirement is deeply troubling.
A critical aspect of this crisis is the unresolved divide between the seven BJP MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community and the rest of the party’s MLAs. The central government’s reluctance to mediate and find a viable solution to this divide suggests either a lack of urgency or a strategic delay. The pressing question remains—why is the Centre taking so long to resolve the leadership crisis? Is this delay a mere political miscalculation, or is it a deliberate attempt to further fragment the state along ethnic and political lines?
If the central government is truly serious about restoring stability in Manipur, it must act decisively. The prolonged unrest, coupled with the leadership vacuum, is only exacerbating the existing crisis. The BJP must swiftly select a leader who commands the confidence of the majority of MLAs and ensure that the state assembly resumes functioning as per constitutional mandates.
Manipur cannot afford to remain in a state of political inertia any longer. The people deserve a government that is responsive, accountable, and committed to resolving the long-standing issues that have plagued the state. Any further delay will only deepen the crisis and fuel greater instability in the region. It is time for the BJP, both at the state and central levels, to put democracy and governance above political maneuvering and personal ambitions.