Manipur BJP MLAs, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, head to Delhi for a crucial meeting with central leadership amid President’s Rule, fuelling strong speculation over new government formation and political stability in the state.
At least 12 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and State Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, departed for New Delhi on Saturday to attend a crucial meeting convened by the party’s central leadership on Sunday. The high-level interaction has generated significant political attention, as it is widely seen as a key step toward resolving the prolonged political uncertainty in the northeastern state.
Senior BJP leaders in Imphal indicated that discussions during Sunday’s meeting are expected to focus primarily on the possibility of forming a new government in Manipur. With President’s Rule in force for several months and growing internal pressure within the party, the meeting is being viewed as a decisive moment that could shape the immediate political future of the state.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister. The imposition of central rule came amid ongoing ethnic tensions, administrative challenges, and political instability, leaving the 60-member state Assembly under suspended animation. Despite this, the Assembly’s tenure remains valid until 2027, leaving open the constitutional possibility of reviving an elected government if political consensus is achieved.
Confirming his participation in the New Delhi meeting, Biren Singh told the media that the BJP’s central leadership has directed all MLAs from Manipur to attend. Although no formal agenda has been officially communicated, Singh acknowledged that government formation is likely to be a central theme of the discussions.
“BJP MLAs have been called to Delhi to review the overall situation in Manipur. We have not been informed about the precise agenda, but discussions may involve the formation of a new government,” Singh said before leaving for the national capital. He added that he was hopeful the meeting would result in a positive outcome that would contribute to stability and development in the state.
The political significance of Sunday’s meeting is heightened by the fact that the BJP currently holds 37 seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, giving it a clear majority. Several party legislators and leaders have openly expressed their willingness to resume governance, arguing that an elected government is essential for addressing security concerns, restoring public confidence, and accelerating reconstruction and reconciliation efforts in the violence-affected regions.
Rajkumar Imo Singh, BJP MLA and son-in-law of Biren Singh, also confirmed being called to Delhi by the central leadership. Speaking briefly to reporters, he said that the MLAs were awaiting clarity on the outcomes of the meeting. “Let’s see what comes out of the discussion. We do not have many details at this moment,” he said.
Speculation about a possible return to popular government has been building over the past few months. In October last year, as many as 26 BJP MLAs from Manipur, including Biren Singh, had met senior central leaders B. L. Santhosh, the BJP’s National General Secretary (Organisation), and Sambit Patra, the party’s Northeast coordinator, in New Delhi. During that meeting, the MLAs reportedly urged the leadership to install a “popular government” and conveyed their readiness to govern collectively as a united team.
Adding to the momentum, Santhosh and Patra visited Manipur for three days last month, during which they held a series of closed-door meetings with state party leaders, legislators, and organizational functionaries. Their visit further fuelled speculation that the central leadership was actively assessing the ground situation and exploring options to restore an elected government in the state.
Former Chief Minister Biren Singh has repeatedly emphasized that BJP legislators in Manipur remain united in their efforts to form a popular government. While avoiding comments on individual opinions within the party, he has maintained that the process of government formation is already underway and that consultations are progressing at multiple levels.
Political observers note that the central leadership’s decision to call MLAs to Delhi indicates a sense of urgency and seriousness. With Manipur continuing to face security challenges and humanitarian concerns, there is increasing pressure on the ruling party at the national level to demonstrate political decisiveness and administrative stability.
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Sunday’s meeting is therefore expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether Manipur will continue under President’s Rule or move toward the re-establishment of an elected BJP-led government. While no official announcement is anticipated immediately, the outcome of the discussions could set the direction for the state’s governance in the coming weeks.
