NPP withdraws support from BJP Govt. in Manipur amidst rising ethnic violence

Manipur, Nov 17, 2024, By Our Correspondent

The National People’s Party (NPP) has officially withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, citing the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The decision was announced on Sunday by NPP National President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who sent a letter to BJP President J.P. Nadda, expressing his party's deep concern over the ongoing ethnic violence and unrest.

In the letter, Sangma highlighted the NPP’s dissatisfaction with the handling of the crisis by the Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led government. He stated that the situation in Manipur had worsened in recent days, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and severe suffering among the people. The NPP leader criticized the BJP government for its failure to restore normalcy in the state, adding that the party could no longer continue its support under such conditions.

The NPP, which has been in alliance with the BJP since the 2017 state elections, currently holds seven seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. The party's withdrawal of support follows rising dissent within its ranks, with several MLAs under immense pressure to oppose the BJP’s governance due to the unrest.

Despite the NPP's exit, the BJP government in Manipur is not at immediate risk. The party has a stronghold with 32 MLAs, and it also enjoys the support of smaller regional parties, including Janata Dal-United, Naga People’s Front, and a few independent legislators. However, the political landscape has been tense ever since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023. Tribal MLAs, including some from the BJP, have been boycotting the Assembly, demanding a separate administration or Union Territory for the tribal communities.

The NPP's move adds to the growing political instability in Manipur, where tensions remain high amid ongoing ethnic conflicts.