IMPHAL: Amid ongoing political uncertainty in Manipur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leaders have called all BJP MLAs from Manipur to attend a crucial meeting in New Delhi on December 14, reportedly to deliberate on the state’s political situation and possible government formation.
“All BJP MLAs have been called to Delhi by party leaders to discuss the situation in Manipur. We haven’t been given the exact agenda, but it could be related to the formation of a popular ministry. Most of us are going, and let’s pray for a good outcome,” a source said.
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Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13 this year, following Biren Singh’s resignation as Chief Minister on February 9 amid the ethnic conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023. The unrest has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people across the state.
A BJP MLA said BJP’s North East coordinator and national spokesperson Sambit Patra personally called the party legislators, instructing them to attend the meeting scheduled for 5:30 pm on December 14 in the national capital. “State BJP president A Sharda Devi also contacted several MLAs and is expected to be present at the meeting,” the MLA said.
Sources confirmed that even Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs have been called to Delhi. The move comes as President Droupadi Murmu completes her maiden two-day visit to Manipur, where she reiterated the Centre’s commitment to peace and development in the state.
Since the imposition of President’s Rule, most BJP MLAs except the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators have been urging the central leadership to reconstitute a popular government. However, the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have maintained their demand for a ‘separate administration’ before any new government formation.
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In the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 32 seats, the NPP seven, JD(U) six, NPF five, KPA two, and the Congress five, along with three independents. Following the demise of NPP MLA N. Kayisii, the Assembly’s effective strength stands at 59. Among the 32 BJP MLAs, seven Kuki-Zo legislators have continued to push for separate administration.