Guwahati, May 28, 2025
In a significant political development in Manipur, a group of 10 MLAs from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) met Governor Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday, staking claim to form a “popular government” in the state with the backing of 44 legislators. This move was the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February.
The delegation included seven MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two from the National People’s Party (NPP), and one Independent. Nine of the ten legislators hail from the Meitei-majority Valley region, while one MLA, Panmei, is from the Naga community.
Speaking to The Indian Express, BJP MLA Thockchom Radheshyam Singh said, “We went and gave the opinion of 44 MLAs. Given the way things have unfolded and the pressure from the public, we told the governor that it’s time to install a popular government. President’s Rule is an emergency step and should be used only as a last resort.”
Radheshyam added that their group included all MLAs in the 60-member House, except the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators and five Congress members. One seat remains vacant due to the death of an MLA.
Growing Push for Elected Governance
This is the second time that NDA legislators have appealed for the restoration of an elected government. On April 29, a group of 21 NDA MLAs had written to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding the formation of a new government in the state. Notably, that letter did not bear the signature of former CM Biren Singh or his close associates.
In their April letter, the MLAs had expressed frustration over the lack of visible action to restore peace and normalcy in the state, which has been on edge since ethnic violence broke out last year. “The installation of a popular government is the only way to bring back stability,” the letter had stated. The same letter was reportedly handed to the governor during Wednesday’s meeting.
Wednesday’s development signals growing discontent within the NDA’s Manipur unit over the prolonged period of President’s Rule and what some lawmakers describe as administrative paralysis.
No Name Proposed for CM Post
Interestingly, the MLAs have not proposed any specific name for the chief ministerial position. “We have not suggested any individual for the CM’s post. The center is free to select a leader of its choosing,” Radheshyam told reporters. “What’s important is to respect the will of the public. We need a functioning government that can respond to the situation on the ground.”
The MLAs also emphasized that the popular sentiment in Manipur, especially in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, is against continued central rule. “There is a growing demand from the people for a democratically elected government to return. is not just a political move; it is a public demand,” said Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta.
Dissent in the Ranks
However, the move appears to have caught some within the BJP off guard. L. Susindro Meitei, a close aide of Biren Singh and an MLA, said he had no knowledge of the meeting with the governor. “I was not aware of this development. Ideally, such decisions should be taken by the party’s legislative leader,” he said. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the legislators had drawn attention to the state’s persistent grievances.
This internal division has once again highlighted the fragile nature of the NDA’s leadership in Manipur. Biren Singh, who stepped down after months of escalating ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, has maintained a low profile since February. His absence from recent political maneuvers suggests a growing rift between his camp and other BJP legislators.
A State in Turmoil
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following months of violence that displaced thousands and led to a breakdown in law and order. Despite heavy deployment of central forces and multiple peace appeals, the situation remains tense in several parts of the state, particularly in the hills.
The prolonged political vacuum has further complicated the state’s recovery. Several civil society groups and student unions have been demanding the restoration of an elected government to ensure better administrative accountability and localized decision-making.
Political observers say that the current push by the 44 MLAs could force the center to reassess its position. “The NDA enjoys a comfortable majority in the Assembly. Unless there is a serious concern regarding law and order or constitutional breakdown, there’s little justification for continuing President’s Rule,” said a senior political analyst based in Imphal.
What’s Next Manipur ?
Governor Bhalla has not yet issued any official statement on the meeting. However, sources close to the Raj Bhavan say that he assured the delegation he would “seriously consider” their request.
As the NDA lawmakers wait for a response, all eyes are on the center. The coming days could determine whether Manipur returns to elected rule or continues under President’s Rule—a decision that could shape the political future of a deeply fractured state.
