NDA legislators from Manipur have rushed to Delhi ahead of the one-year mark of President's Rule in the state. They are scheduled to meet central leaders on Monday, with expectations of discussions on forming an elected government. This move comes amid ongoing political uncertainty in the ethnic violence-hit region.
President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025. The rule was extended for another six months and is set to expire on February 12, 2026. The ethnic violence that erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people.
On Sunday, almost all NDA legislators, including those from the BJP, Naga People's Front, National People's Party, Janata Dal (United), and Independents, along with state BJP chief A. Sharda Devi, flew from Imphal to Delhi for a high-level meeting scheduled for Monday. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was among those who departed. One MLA noted, “We have not been informed who will be there from the Centre’s side, or what the agenda is.”
Speaking to media at Imphal airport, BJP MLA N. Biren Singh said, “All the NDA alliance partner legislators are summoned to attend a meeting scheduled on Monday. We have a recent meeting with the BJP legislators that has huge development. This time all the legislators of NDA are summoned so it is much likely to be happened for new government formation.”
NPP legislator Janghemlung Panmei stated, “We’ll push for good things to happen for Manipur again... but we will only get to know the next steps after the meeting.” BJP state president A. Sharda Devi expressed confidence that the meeting would bring a positive step toward forming a new popular government. A source indicated that Kuki-Zo legislators might also attend.
In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the BJP holds 32 seats, NPP has seven, JD(U) six, NPF five, KPA two, Congress five, and three Independents. Participation from Kuki-Zo MLAs remains uncertain, as on January 13, Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and MLAs outlined prerequisites, including a separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo areas. A BJP meeting on December 14 brought Kuki and Meitei legislators together to foster engagement. Meitei and Naga NDA legislators have been pressing to replace President's Rule with an elected government.
The meeting could be pivotal for restoring political stability, though demands from the Kuki-Zo community pose ongoing challenges.
