NDA MLAs head to Delhi amid speculation over Manipur Government formation

Almost all Bharatiya Janata Party legislators and its National Democratic Alliance partners from Manipur rushed to New Delhi on Saturday after being summoned by the party’s central leadership for a crucial meeting scheduled on February 2 evening. The meeting is to be chaired by Sambit Patra, the BJP’s Northeast in-charge, amid growing speculation over the revival of the suspended Manipur Legislative Assembly and possible formation of a new government.
The Manipur Assembly is currently under animated suspension, with President’s Rule completing one year on February 13, 2026. While several MLAs remained guarded about the purpose of the visit, a few expressed hope that the Centre may consider restoring an elected government without extending Central rule.
Among those leaving Imphal was former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. BJP MLA Leishangthem Suchindro said he was travelling to Silchar for a meeting, while other legislators confirmed they were heading to New Delhi to attend the party’s discussions. Party sources said the agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed.
Speaking to the media before departure, BJP MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen indicated that government formation could be part of the deliberations, while asserting that he would accept any leadership decision taken by the central leadership. “Government formation is the agenda. However, any leader chosen by the Centre is acceptable to me,” he said.
MLA Sapam Nishikanta cautioned against drawing conclusions from social media speculation regarding leadership changes, stating that the party follows its own internal mechanisms for such decisions and that online narratives are unreliable.
Expressing optimism, BJP MLA Heikham Dingko said the Delhi talks would yield a positive outcome. “Something positive will definitely happen,” he said, signalling hope that the discussions could help steer the state out of prolonged political uncertainty.
President of National People’s Party, NPP, Manipur State Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze has confirmed that BJP’s North East Co ordinator Dr. Sambit Patra called him up late evening on Saturday. Dr. Sambit Patra has informed him to sent all the 6 NPP Mlas by 2pm at the National Capital on February 2nd. Speaking Exclusively to NE News, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze said that all his 6 MLAs along with him are leaving Imphal for New Delhi today itself.
MLA Th. Biswajit while speaking to reporter on the sideline of Ebudhou Koirou Lakoa Eratpa Thouram at Thongju said that he is also leaving for Delhi today. Biswajit, however, maintained that restoring Peace first is the Primary thing for the State of Manipur. But for the new Popular Government in the State, Central Leaders have to take it or to decide it constitutionally as the Presidents Rule was also imposed as per the Constitution in Manipur.
Adding to the heightened political activity, Manipur BJP president A. Sharda Devi and other senior party functionaries also left for New Delhi, further fuelling speculation that key organisational and leadership-related decisions concerning Manipur may be taken at the central level.
Meanwhile, contrasting political positions continue to surface across the state. Several Kuki organisations have stated that they will not support the formation of a popular government in Manipur, particularly in the valley areas. In contrast, there is sustained demand from the valley region for restoration of an elected government to end the current phase of Central rule.
Political observers said the divergent positions reflect deepening fault lines in Manipur’s political landscape, even as pressure mounts for a resolution to prolonged political uncertainty and administrative paralysis. Sources said the Delhi meeting is expected to review the evolving situation in Manipur, including governance options and political stability, though no official statement has yet been issued by the BJP on the meeting’s agenda.