Imphal: The political stalemate in Manipur continues, with the Central government showing no signs of lifting President's Rule anytime soon, despite growing demands from local leaders. A delegation of 44 MLAs, led by the BJP, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday to present their readiness to establish a new government in the state.
The meeting comes nearly three months after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who stepped down following sharp criticism over his administration’s failure to contain violent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, speaking to the media after the meeting, emphasized that the 44 MLAs, representing a cross-section of Meitei, Manipuri Muslim, and Naga communities, are committed to forming a government in line with public sentiment. Governor Bhalla reportedly assured the delegation he would act in the public interest.
Despite this political push, central government sources have indicated a reluctance to transition back to an elected government at this juncture. Officials argue that reintroducing a political administration could disrupt the delicate peace-building efforts currently underway in the conflict-affected state. Their current focus remains on maintaining order and nurturing recent signs of stability.
Manipur's 60-member Assembly currently has 59 active members. While the coalition claims numerical strength, the political landscape remains fractured, particularly with Kuki legislators largely sidelined from the process due to the ongoing ethnic and geographical divide.
Adding to the tension, fresh protests have erupted in the Imphal Valley following allegations that security forces concealed the name of the state on a public bus, a controversy now known locally as the "Gwaltabi episode." The incident has reignited public anger, with calls for the resignation of top officials and a formal apology from the Governor.
While the BJP continues to lobby for a return to democratic governance, the Centre remains cautious. Authorities are prioritizing the fragile peace process over political restructuring, aiming to avoid any action that might destabilize the progress achieved so far.
