Manipur BJP MLAs Unite in Push for Popular Government Amid Ongoing Crisis

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 31, 2025, Delhi: Amid the prolonged conflict and ongoing President’s rule in Manipur, a significant political development unfolded on Friday as 23 BJP MLAs from the state convened in a crucial meeting and pledged to work together towards forming a popular government. The MLAs collectively resolved to set aside personal ambitions and prioritize the larger interests of the state and its people.

Manipur has been under President's rule since February 13, with the state assembly in suspended animation. The unified stance taken by these BJP legislators is being viewed as a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to restore democratic normalcy. Of the 37 BJP MLAs in the 60-member assembly, seven from the Kuki-Jo community did not participate in the meeting. Notably, both supporters and opponents of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh were present, although Singh himself, along with Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh—previously known as a vocal critic of Singh—did not sign the joint statement.

This development follows a separate meeting held on May 28, where 10 NDA MLAs met Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla and claimed the support of 44 legislators to form a government.

In their post-meeting statement, the 23 BJP MLAs expressed a commitment to political consensus, stating, “As per the strong desire of the people, we have discussed the path to political consensus. We have decided to forego personal interests for the greater good of the state, the people, and the BJP and its allies.” The statement also conveyed a united belief in the urgency and possibility of a lasting resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive dialogue involving representatives from all communities in Manipur.

The MLAs backed the idea of establishing an impartial dialogue platform to build trust and consensus between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo communities. They also proposed the appointment of an unbiased peace envoy or a panel of respected individuals to facilitate the process, with the recommendation directed to the Governor and the central leadership.

The statement highlighted that resolving the crisis will require both political action and concrete security measures, including the recovery of looted weapons across regions and efforts to rebuild inter-community relations at the grassroots level.

Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo communities, which began on May 3, 2023, have led to over 250 deaths and displaced thousands of residents. Against this backdrop of prolonged unrest, the BJP MLAs’ renewed commitment is being perceived as a hopeful step towards reconciliation and the eventual formation of a representative government.

The coming days will reveal whether this expression of unity can indeed translate into meaningful progress and peace in the troubled northeastern state.