Nitish Kumar's Party Ends Alliance with BJP in Manipur Amid Rising Tensions

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 23, 2025, Delhi: The rift between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has deepened with the sudden withdrawal of JD(U) support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur. The unexpected move has triggered widespread speculation, particularly as the northeastern state has been grappling with months of communal violence.

JD(U) has made it clear that its decision to sever ties with the BJP government in Manipur is aimed at exerting pressure on the ruling party amid the ongoing unrest. Kesh Biren Singh, the JD(U) state president in Manipur, formally communicated the party's decision to the Governor, as well as to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. While the JD(U) has pledged to continue supporting the BJP-led government in the state, the announcement signifies a shift in its political alignment.

This move follows the recent withdrawal of support by another key ally in the NDA coalition, the Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA), which also pulled out from backing the BJP government in Manipur. Despite these developments, the N Biren Singh government is not immediately at risk of collapse, as the BJP still holds a substantial majority in the 60-seat Manipur Assembly with 37 MLAs. Additionally, it enjoys the support of the Naga People's Front and three independent legislators.

Nevertheless, the growing discontent within the coalition could indicate future instability, especially if opposition parties push for a no-confidence motion. For now, however, the BJP government in Manipur remains intact but under increasing pressure.