Imphal: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, in the absence of seven Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs, held a crucial meeting on Sunday at the state party office, a day ahead of the meeting of Manipur’s civil society organisations and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking to reporters here after the meeting, said, “The BJP legislators have already signalled to the Centre that they are ready to form a popular government.”
“The meeting was held to highlight recent discussions between the state BJP leadership and central leaders, as part of a broader roadmap to restore peace in the violence-hit state,” Biren said. Manipur has remained in turmoil since the ethnic conflict broke out on May 3, 2023.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13 after Biren stepped down as Chief Minister. Recent interactions between the state BJP president and central leadership are a positive step toward resolving the ongoing political deadlock. He welcomed the move by civil society bodies to meet MHA officials in the national capital on Monday as part of peace efforts.
Manipur’s 60-member Legislative Assembly currently has one vacant seat following the demise of NPP MLA N. Kayisii from the Tadubi Assembly Constituency. The state has five Congress MLAs. Of the remaining 59 members, 22 BJP MLAs attended Sunday’s meeting. Eight MLAs, including Th. Radheshyam, L. Susindro, SS. Olish, Th. Basantakumar, S. Kebi, Dinganglung Gangmei, Th. Arunkumar and U. Deben did not attend the meeting, reportedly due to health reasons or prior leave, according to the former Chief Minister.
The BJP currently holds 32 seats in the 59-member House. Other parties include the NPP (6), JD(U) (6), Naga People’s Front (5), Kuki People’s Alliance (2), and the Indian National Congress (5), with three independent MLAs. Despite the NPP, JD(U), KPA, and one independent MLA withdrawing support, the BJP retains a majority with 43 MLAs, bolstered by five former JD(U) MLAs who later joined the party. Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have continued to demand a separate administration in the form of Union Territory status following the ethnic crisis.
State BJP president A. Sharda Devi said, “Public support is essential to re-install the government. In the recent meetings with central leaders, they (central leaders) acknowledged the sentiments of the people.”
