BJP leader says 44 MLAs ready to form new govt in Manipur after meeting with Governor

Guwahati: BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh stated on Wednesday that 44 MLAs are prepared to form a new government in Manipur. This followed a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, where a group of ten MLAs urged the formation of a "popular" government in the state.

The delegation consisted of seven BJP MLAs, two from the National People’s Party, and one independent MLA. Singh, a member of the group, told the media that the support of 44 MLAs had been secured. The Manipur Legislative Assembly has a total of 60 seats, although one is currently vacant due to the passing of an MLA.

BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh reportedly informed the governor that 44 MLAs were ready to form a new government, describing the move as equivalent to staking a claim. He said that, apart from the 10 MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community and five Congress members, the remaining legislators supported the formation of a new government, TNIE reported.

Singh also indicated that the central government might consider reimposing the President’s Rule if a popular government could not be established. He noted that the decision regarding the leadership of the new government would be left to the BJP’s central leadership.

Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh mentioned that the group had urged the governor for the early formation of a government. He emphasized that all NDA-aligned MLAs were eager to see a popular government installed, highlighting the importance of public backing for a smooth and swift transition.

The MLA further said that they had submitted a document to the governor bearing the signatures of 22 MLAs, the same one previously handed to the Prime Minister.

Although not all signatories were present at the meeting, the MLA noted that there was broad consensus among them in support of forming a popular government, emphasizing that it was in the public's best interest.

Before President’s Rule was imposed in February, the BJP had reportedly struggled to agree on a leader, with the party divided into two main factions.

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday evening. Following the meeting, he posted on social media platform X, saying that their conversation centred around the ongoing unrest in the state.

The unrest in Manipur was reportedly sparked by an incident involving security personnel allegedly covering up the “Manipur State Transport” signage on a state-run bus. The bus was carrying a media team en route to Ukhrul to cover the Shirui Lily festival.

In reaction to the incident, the Meitei group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called for public demonstrations. Since then, people have been participating in rallies, torch processions, and sit-in protests to express their anger over the matter.

The state government, which has launched an investigation, denied that there were any directives or intentions to cover the name of the state on the bus.

A statement issued on Wednesday clarified that neither the government nor the political leadership had any such plans. Officials added that the full details of what actually happened would only emerge after a thorough inquiry.