BJP Seeks Consensus on Next Manipur Chief Minister
As President’s Rule continues in Manipur, the BJP is moving to build consensus among its legislators for the formation of a new government. With the Assembly in suspended animation since February, party leaders have begun a round of internal meetings to decide who will lead the next phase of governance in the conflict-hit state.
Manipur crisis
BJP state president A. Sharda Devi has convened multiple meetings with party MLAs, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Speaker T. Satyabrata Singh. Though officially termed informal, these gatherings are widely seen as part of the BJP’s efforts to forge unity and finalize a new Chief Ministerial candidate.
Former CM Biren Singh said, “We just met over a cup of tea and discussed the existing problems in the state and the way forward to bring peace in Manipur.” He added that the central leadership of the BJP is currently assessing the ground situation and intends to “re-establish a democratic regime” once conditions permit.
BJP CM
Despite having a clear majority in the 60-member Assembly with 37 seats, the BJP has not yet named a successor to Biren Singh, who resigned in February amid mounting criticism of his handling of the ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur since May 2023.
Although the numbers exist on paper, internal divisions remain a major obstacle. Ten BJP MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community have distanced themselves from the main group and have shown little interest in participating in government formation without clarity on their demands. These legislators are set to consult civil society organizations before making any further political commitments.
President’s Rule
Earlier this year, several BJP leaders claimed that at least 44 MLAs—including those from allied parties like the NPP, NPF, JD(U), and independents—were ready to form a new government. These MLAs submitted their intent to the Governor and demanded the restoration of a “popular” government. However, the central leadership has so far opted for caution, prioritizing the restoration of peace and law and order before making any formal move to revoke President’s Rule.
The state has been reeling under ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and tens of thousands displaced. The lack of political leadership during this critical period has deepened the governance vacuum, making the need for an elected government more urgent than ever.
Until the central leadership identifies a consensus candidate capable of balancing the state’s fractured politics, the return of democratic governance in Manipur will remain on hold. For now, the BJP’s focus is on achieving internal unity to end the prolonged constitutional limbo and steer the state toward stability.
