A political realignment appears to be unfolding in Manipur as ten MLAs, including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today to urge the formation of a popular government in the state. The meeting follows a similar call by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who met the Governor a day earlier to discuss the state’s ongoing crisis.
The MLAs—Yumnam Radheshyam Singh, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Thangjam Arunkumar, Kh. Raghumani Singh, Kongkham Robindro Singh, and Paonam Brojen Singh from the BJP; Sheikh Noorul Hassan and Janghemliung from the National People’s Party (NPP); and Independent Sapam Nishikanta Singh—claimed to have the support of 44 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, which has been under suspended animation since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said the group had conveyed to the Governor that all MLAs—except the 10 from the Kuki-Zo community and five Congress members—were in favour of installing a new government. He said the push was driven by “strong public pressure” and reiterated that President’s Rule should remain a last resort. “If a popular government fails, the Centre can reimpose President’s Rule,” he said. However, when asked who would lead the new government, Radheshyam said that decision would be left to the Centre.
The delegation also submitted a copy of a letter originally sent to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister on April 29, in which 21 NDA legislators had urged for the restoration of a popular government. The letter criticised the absence of effective measures to bring peace and normalcy and argued that reinstating an elected government was essential.
Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh said the public’s demand for democratic governance was central to their appeal. “We are hopeful for the swift formation of a popular government,” he added. Sheikh Noorul Hassan also reiterated the support of 44 MLAs and noted that a document with around 22 signatures had been submitted to the Governor as a sign of unity within the NDA camp.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who met the Governor on Tuesday, clarified that his visit was not connected to the current political mobilization. He said his discussion focused on resolving the Gwaltabi incident, where security forces allegedly removed the state’s name from a bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul on May 20, sparking protests in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley.
Biren said he also raised concerns over the conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps and the disruption of transport due to blocked national highways. He called for the disarmament of armed miscreants and expressed appreciation for the Union Home Ministry’s 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, citing earlier efforts initiated in 2021 under a subcommittee led by Letpao Haokip.
The Manipur Legislative Assembly has a tenure until 2027, with one seat currently vacant. The state has been reeling under ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.
While the demand for a popular government gains momentum, the absence of a named leader to head the proposed administration adds uncertainty to the evolving political landscape.