All Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs from Manipur, including former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, have left for New Delhi to attend a crucial meeting of the party’s central leadership on December 14, as the state remains mired in political uncertainty. The meeting is being closely watched as a potential turning point in resolving the ongoing impasse over government formation in Imphal.
The central leadership’s move to summon all legislators to the national capital indicates its intent to take direct control over the next steps in Manipur. Sources suggest that the high command aims to assess support within the legislative ranks, weigh leadership options, and devise a strategy for forming a stable government while addressing internal party divisions.
Before departing, several MLAs expressed cautious optimism. Former Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand said the precise purpose of the meeting would become clear only in Delhi, but stressed that restoring peace in Manipur remained a priority. “Any political decision must consider ongoing tensions and instability in the state,” he remarked. MLA Usham Deben suggested that a new government could be formed by the last week of December or the first week of January, intensifying speculation that the BJP central leadership may already be working with a concrete timeline. MLA Khumukcham Joykishan acknowledged that while no formal agenda had been communicated, the deliberations were “most likely” linked to government formation.
Political analysts view the Delhi meeting as a strategic effort by the BJP to consolidate legislative support and reduce factional friction ahead of key decisions. The presence of N Biren Singh adds another layer of intrigue, raising questions about his potential political comeback or influence in shaping the next leadership arrangement. Analysts suggest that the outcome could either pave the way for a stable government or prolong uncertainty while the party evaluates its options.
Besides N Biren Singh, the delegation includes MLAs Thokchom Satyabrata, Achab Uddin, Sagolsem Kebi, Thongam Bishwajit, Paonam Brojen, Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Kongkham Robindro, and Tongbram Robindro, among others. Their collective presence gives the central leadership an opportunity to secure consensus and test the political waters before announcing any major decisions.
For Manipur, the December 14 meeting is expected to be a defining moment in the state’s political trajectory, with implications not only for governance in Imphal but also for the BJP’s broader strategy in the Northeast. The deliberations are likely to reveal whether the party can stabilize its position and deliver a government with a clear mandate, or if political uncertainty will continue to dominate the state.