More than 20 BJP MLAs from Manipur, along with leaders of NDA allies, left for New Delhi on Sunday to attend a meeting with the party’s central leadership, amid speculation over the possible formation of a popular government ahead of the end of President’s Rule on February 12.
Manipur BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, speaking at Imphal airport, said the meeting involved all NDA legislators. “All NDA legislators have been called. We are hoping and believing that a popular government will be formed,” she said.
Former chief minister N Biren Singh expressed optimism, noting that the invitation had gone out to all NDA partners. “Since all MLAs of the NDA partners are being invited for a meeting, I expect a positive outcome. Earlier, there was a meeting of all BJP MLAs. The President's rule term is due to end on February 12. Let's hope for a positive response,” he said.
Asked whether the situation in Manipur would have been different had he remained in office, Singh said governance was a continuous process. “Government is a continuing process. I tried my best to change the landscape change in Manipur. There has been a lot of changes in both hills and valley,” he added.
Lamsang MLA S Rajen Singh said there was a possibility of government formation but stressed that the leadership decision would rest with the party high command. “There is a possibility that government may be formed. The leader would, however, be chosen by the central leadership after observing the situation in the state. The meeting is likely to be on Monday evening,” he said.
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Another BJP legislator, H Dingo, confirmed the timing of the meeting but said the agenda had not been disclosed. “We were just told to reach Delhi by today itself,” he said. Khurai MLA L Susindro said he had not received information about the meeting.
Leaders of NDA ally parties also headed to the national capital. National People’s Party (NPP) state unit president Lorho S Pfoze said, “I am also leaving for Delhi. Nothing is certain about government formation. We are just called for a meeting.” NPP MLA J Pamei added, “Let's expect the best. Yes, we are called, all NDA partners. We are going to see what things are happening.”
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13 last year, following the resignation of N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. Though the Assembly’s tenure runs till 2027, it remains under suspended animation.
The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly, while NDA allies NPP and NPF have six and five MLAs, respectively.
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