As Manipur approaches nearly a year under President’s Rule, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a notable political move by summoning its state legislators to New Delhi on 14 December for high-level discussions, indicating a possible shift toward reinstating an elected government in the conflict-ridden northeastern state.
Sources close to the party leadership said that the BJP is “not keen on further extending President’s Rule” beyond its current period, suggesting that leaders want to explore options for forming a popular state government. A senior central leader told reporters that “how many times can we seek an extension? Since the Assembly was in suspended animation, it was always clear that the party wants to see an elected government in Manipur.”
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking from Imphal during the observance of the annual Nupi Lan event, confirmed the directive for MLAs to travel to the national capital. While the official agenda for the meeting has not been disclosed, several legislators expressed hope that discussions could focus on government formation and restoring democratic governance in Manipur.
The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, but internal divisions and community dynamics have complicated efforts to coalesce around a clear leadership alternative. Tensions within the party ranks, as well as broader ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, have hampered attempts at political resolution.
President’s Rule was initially imposed in February 2025 after Biren Singh resigned amid escalating ethnic violence and political uncertainty. The state legislature remains in suspended animation, and earlier extensions of central rule were approved by Parliament citing law-and-order concerns.
Some BJP MLAs, particularly those from minority communities, have been cautious about endorsing government formation without addressing broader political demands, including calls from certain Kuki-Zo leaders for autonomous administration. Analysts say these dynamics could shape the outcome of Sunday’s talks in Delhi.
Political observers note that the BJP’s willingness to consider ending President’s Rule marks a significant strategic recalibration, driven both by constitutional limits on central administration and growing pressure from within the state’s legislative ranks for a return to elected governance.
