Manipur: 10 MLAs Stake Claim to Form Government Amid Political Uncertainty, Centre Prioritizes Peace Over Power Transition

In a significant political development, a delegation of 10 MLAs — comprising 8 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one from the National People's Party (NPP), and one Independent — met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal today to formally stake claim to form a new government in the state, which has been under President's Rule since February.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh said they submitted a signed document expressing the support of 22 NDA-aligned MLAs for the formation of a "popular government." The group urged the Governor to act swiftly to restore elected governance, citing growing public unrest and political vacuum in the violence-scarred northeastern state.

“We expect the formation of the popular government to happen soon. All NDA MLAs are very keen, and we also want public support,” said Singh, adding that Governor Bhalla gave a “positive response” to their appeal.

Reinforcing the claim, BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh stated that 44 MLAs are ready to form a new government. “We conveyed this to the Governor. The Speaker has already met these MLAs, and there is no opposition to the idea of government formation,” he said.

However, despite the apparent political momentum, sources in New Delhi have downplayed the likelihood of President’s Rule being lifted in the near future. According to a report by The Indian Express, senior BJP and government officials believe the primary focus remains on restoring peace, not installing a new government.

“Neither the national leadership of the BJP nor the Central government wants government formation as of now,” a senior leader familiar with the situation said. “Any political movement could derail the fragile peace process.”

The Central leadership is said to be sensitive to the growing frustration among MLAs, whose Assembly has been in suspended animation for months. Yet, officials stress that a premature transition to elected governance may intensify ethnic tensions, especially over unresolved issues like the choice of a new Chief Minister and the role of former CM N Biren Singh, whose handling of last year’s ethnic violence drew widespread criticism.

The crisis in Manipur stems from ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which began in May 2023 and have since claimed over 250 lives. While Meitei groups insist on preserving Manipur’s territorial integrity, Kuki-Zo leaders demand a separate administrative arrangement for the hill areas. Efforts by the Centre to de-escalate the situation — including weapon surrenders and confidence-building measures — have yielded mixed results.

Adding to tensions, a recent incident in Gwaltabi — where security forces allegedly concealed the state's name on a government vehicle — sparked fresh protests in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley, with demonstrators demanding apologies and key resignations.

With 59 of the 60 Assembly seats filled, the BJP-led coalition — including Meitei, Manipuri Muslim, and Naga MLAs — currently commands a numerical strength of 44. The Congress holds five seats, while Kuki groups and allies hold the remaining 10.

Yet, insiders caution that mere numbers may not ensure stability. “There’s little guarantee these MLAs can maintain unity, especially with unresolved ethnic divisions and leadership questions,” said a BJP source.