Imphal : Around 25 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs called a meeting at the residence of party MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh in Imphal. The meet aims to push for the formation of a popular government in Manipur.

On May 28, nearly 10 MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the National People’s Party (NPP), and one Independent MLA, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to stake a claim to form a government in the state.

Ten MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the NPP, and one Independent MLA, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, demanding the formation of a “popular” government in the ethnic violence-hit state.

Their meeting with the governor came amid a civil disobedience campaign in the Imphal valley led by a Meitei organisation, which alleged that central armed forces had insulted the state’s identity by masking the words “Manipur State Transport” on a state-run bus on May 20.

“The majority of people want a popular government installed, which is why we came here to meet the Governor,” Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh told reporters after the meeting.

“We also discussed other things, like the functioning of the President’s rule may not be the same after the formation of a popular government. Primarily and basically, the main point was the formation of a popular government. The response of the Governor was also nice,” he added.

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, days after BJP leader N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister. Ethnic conflict broke out in the State on May 3, 2023, causing the loss of lives of hundreds of people.

Manipur Pradesh BJP president Adhikarimayum Sarda Devi stated that central BJP leaders are fully committed to forming a BJP-led government in Manipur. She made the statement on Saturday after a special meeting held at the BJP’s state unit office.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with BJP legislators, Sarda Devi emphasized that the formation of a new government remains the top priority for both the BJP and the people of Manipur.

She expressed confidence that the party’s legislators will take full responsibility for resolving the issue in the interest of public welfare.

While Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has submitted his resignation amid ongoing violence and related concerns, Sarda Devi assured that BJP legislators remain united and committed to forming a new government when the time is right.

She dismissed any rumors of internal division, adding that the BJP holds a majority in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly and is working diligently to form a new government as soon as possible.

BJP MLA Paonam Brojen, who represents Wangjing Tentha AC, also attended the meeting and stated that the central leaders will select the next Chief Minister from among the BJP legislators once they are ready to form the new government.

He added that BJP MLAs are awaiting a decision from the central leadership regarding the party’s new leader in the state.

During Saturday’s meeting, the BJP MLAs requested Sarda Devi to formally propose the installation of the new government to the central leadership without further delay.

Notably, 15 BJP MLAs attended Saturday’s meeting. The remaining legislators were out of station, reportedly engaged in flood relief efforts across various parts of the state.

In addition, 25 BJP legislators convened on Friday at the official residence of MLA Thongam Biswajit (Thongju AC). The BJP currently holds 37 seats in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, including five former JD(U) MLAs who later joined the BJP.

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