Daijiworld Media Network – Imphal
Imphal, Jun 1: Amid growing political activity in Manipur, BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi on Saturday said that the party is committed to forming a "popular" government at the earliest, with a focus on development and peace in the strife-torn state.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with BJP legislators, Sharda Devi asserted that all party MLAs were united. “Discussions were held today regarding the early formation of a government. The state needs peace and normalcy for development,” she stated.
Party sources confirmed that 13 BJP MLAs participated in the meeting at the BJP state headquarters in Imphal. Legislators Kh Ibomcha and Paonam Brojen affirmed that there were no differences within the party ranks and stressed that the decision now lies with central leadership.
A day earlier, 23 BJP MLAs, in a show of unity, had met at the residence of former minister Thongam Biswajit Singh. In a joint statement, they echoed public sentiment, highlighting the demand for a popular government to address the state’s ethnic tensions.
Saturday’s meeting followed a move by ten NDA MLAs eight from the BJP and two from the National People’s Party (NPP) who submitted a petition to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla seeking government formation, claiming the support of 44 legislators in the 60-member Assembly.
A Raj Bhavan statement said the MLAs discussed the prevailing law and order situation and emphasised the need for initiating peace talks and strengthening security in the region.
The Manipur Assembly, under suspended animation since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, remains without an elected government despite having a tenure till 2027. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who resigned on February 9, met the Governor on May 27 to discuss peace restoration measures.
Meanwhile, BJP’s North East in-charge Sambit Patra recently visited Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, meeting Kuki MLAs and civil society groups such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU). Patra also held talks with key state leaders, including Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh.
Earlier in May, 21 MLAs—including BJP and its allies—wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the reinstatement of a people’s government, citing the lack of visible progress under President’s Rule.
Efforts to broker peace between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities also saw some movement, with the Ministry of Home Affairs initiating tripartite talks in April. The apex Meitei body, COCOMI, held fresh talks with MHA officials in Delhi on May 27, reiterating their commitment to peace.
With mounting pressure from within the state and from the Centre, Manipur now awaits a concrete move towards restoring governance and ending the prolonged ethnic crisis.