The Manipur government formation took a new turn as 10 MLAs, including 8 from the BJP, staked a claim to form a new government. The delegation, comprising key political figures, met Governor Anusuiya Uikey at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Tuesday. This move has triggered fresh debates on the political stability in the conflict-hit state.
The development marks a significant turn amid growing concerns about governance, law and order, and internal party rifts in the northeastern state. With this latest move, Manipur’s political landscape appears set for another major shift.
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BJP-Led Delegation Meets Governor
The group of MLAs arrived at the Governor’s residence on Tuesday afternoon. Among them were eight BJP legislators, one Independent, and one aligned with a regional party. According to sources, the delegation handed over a signed letter of support and urged the Governor to allow them to form the next government.
Speaking to the media outside Raj Bhavan, a senior BJP MLA stated, “We have the numbers and public support. Our aim is to restore stable governance and ensure peace returns to Manipur.”
Governor Uikey acknowledged the receipt of the claim and said her office would examine it closely before taking any decision. She emphasized that any decision would be taken in accordance with constitutional protocols.
Rising Tensions Within the BJP
This move comes amid mounting unrest within the BJP’s Manipur unit. Several MLAs had expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the ongoing ethnic violence and the perceived lack of political accountability.
For months, the state has struggled with recurring clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups, leaving over 200 people dead and thousands displaced. Critics argue that the government has failed to take decisive action, leading to public outrage.
The current Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, has faced increasing pressure from both within the party and the public. His leadership has come under scrutiny, and several MLAs have distanced themselves from his administration in recent weeks.
The Numbers Game: Who Holds the Edge?
Manipur’s Legislative Assembly has a total of 60 seats. The BJP won 32 seats in the last election and formed the government with support from allied parties. However, recent defections, resignations, and internal dissent have reportedly weakened the ruling coalition.
With 10 MLAs staking claim independently, questions now arise about how many sitting members still back the current government and whether a leadership change within the BJP is imminent.
Political analysts believe this is more than just an internal party crisis—it could lead to a complete power reshuffle if the Governor decides to revoke support from the current cabinet and initiate a fresh government formation process.
Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
The Congress party has sharply criticized the BJP for allowing internal disputes to destabilize the state’s governance. In a press statement, a senior Congress leader said, “Manipur deserves peace, not power games. The BJP is playing politics while people suffer.”
On the other hand, leaders from the Naga People’s Front and other regional outfits have remained cautious. Some have called for all-party discussions to bring peace and political consensus to the troubled region.
Interestingly, this development also comes as national elections are approaching. The BJP’s national leadership may need to intervene to contain the crisis and avoid negative fallout in northeastern constituencies.
What Happens Next?
Governor Uikey is expected to consult legal advisors and assess the strength of the claim. She may also request a floor test in the assembly to determine the majority. Until then, no formal changes will occur.
If the Governor is convinced of the MLAs’ majority support, she could invite them to form the government or suggest a leadership change within the existing BJP camp. Either way, the state’s political future hangs in balance over the coming days.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Imphal and surrounding areas to prevent any unrest following the announcement. Manipur Police and paramilitary forces are on high alert, especially near government buildings.
A Fragile State Needs Stability
Manipur has been grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis for over a year. Ethnic tensions, administrative paralysis, and growing distrust in governance have only made things worse. Many citizens feel that politics has taken precedence over peace and development.
Political commentators say the state needs a united leadership, not a divided house, to lead it out of crisis. If this new group of MLAs succeeds in forming a stable and responsive government, it could restore some public faith.
For now, all eyes are on Raj Bhavan, where Governor Uikey must weigh the political realities against constitutional responsibilities.
