Imphal : At least 27 BJP MLAs convened a closed-door meeting at the party’s state headquarters on Wednesday to discuss preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Manipur.

The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was attended by several senior legislators, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata. None of the attendees responded to media queries regarding the agenda of the meeting.

According to a post on X by BJP Manipur, “State President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi presided over a joint organisational meeting of the party’s MP, MLAs, and state office bearers, in the presence of MP and NE States Prabhari Dr. Sambit Patra, and MP and State Prabhari Dr. Ajeet Gopchade.”

A party functionary told  that the gathering focused on key issues, including the party’s strategy in the state and other significant political developments. Preparations and implications of the Prime Minister’s expected visit were also discussed.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the Coordination Committee (CORCOM) – an umbrella group of six banned militant outfits, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) – announced a boycott of the Prime Minister’s expected visit.

The BJP meeting comes amid heightened political activity in Manipur, as the state prepares for the PM’s visit, with security and organisational arrangements being closely coordinated by party leadership.

Several key office bearers and grassroots leaders from BJP’s Phungyar Mandal stepped down from the primary membership of the party before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the state.

The resignations were submitted by members of the 43-Phungyar BJP Mandal and its affiliated Morchas. The move was led by Ngachonmi Ramshang, Special Invitee of BJP Manipur, with senior active members and primary members of the party.

Among those who resigned are the 43-Phungyar BJP Mandal President, the Mahila Morcha President, Yuva Morcha President, Kishan Morcha President, ST Morcha Executive, and 53 Booth Presidents, signaling a large-scale withdrawal of grassroots leadership from the organisation.

The irate members said dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning was the primary reason for their resignations. They also alleged a lack of consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for grassroots leadership in the decision-making process.

“Our loyalty to the party and its ideology has always been unwavering. However, we are deeply concerned over the present state of affairs within the party. We reaffirm our commitment to work for the welfare of our community and the people of Manipur,” the members said in their statement.

The mass resignation is a jolt to the BJP’s organisational strength in the hill districts, particularly at the grassroots level.