Following N Biren Singh’s resignation as chief minister, Manipur faces a political vacuum and ongoing ethnic tensions despite the imposition of President’s Rule. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar has taken proactive steps to address the situation by meeting with state BJP President A Sharda Devi to propose a meeting of all BJP MLAs. The goal is to expedite the process of government formation and address the political uncertainty.
Call for Government Formation
“I requested her to summon all the BJP MLAs at the earliest. She said she will do it positively within the next few days,” Shyamkumar stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, arguing that prolonged President’s Rule is not in Manipur’s best interest. “Keeping President’s Rule is not good for the future course of the state,” he asserted.
Shyamkumar revealed that several BJP MLAs, both Meitei and Kuki, had appealed to the party’s central leadership for Biren Singh’s removal. Despite the BJP holding a majority in Manipur, the process of electing a new leader was delayed, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule. “We have the numbers to form the government,” Shyamkumar said. “I have requested the central BJP leadership to appoint a leader from among us to take charge.”
Discussions with Central Leadership
Shyamkumar met Dr Sambit Patra, the BJP’s Manipur in-charge, who assured him that the issue would be discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J P Nadda.
Challenges Amid Ethnic Violence
One of the significant hurdles in forming the new government is the ongoing ethnic violence, which has prevented Kuki MLAs from traveling to Imphal for discussions. “Kuki MLAs cannot come down here right now due to the ongoing situation,” Shyamkumar explained, adding that without the central government’s intervention, it would be difficult for Kuki MLAs to participate in meetings in Imphal.
Shyamkumar emphasized that there is no division among the Meitei MLAs. While the immediate meeting would primarily involve Imphal Valley-based Meitei MLAs, invitations would likely be extended to Kuki MLAs as well, even if they may not be able to attend. A Sharda Devi assured Shyamkumar that she would convene the meeting soon.
Next Steps
“We need to gather all the honourable MLAs and request the BJP president to ask the central leadership to choose a leader from among us,” Shyamkumar stated. While Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh is said to be a contender for the chief minister’s job, Shyamkumar did not confirm any names. “I don’t know about that part. All MLAs have the same demand — to form the next BJP government in Manipur as early as possible,” he remarked.
Shyamkumar conceded that the final decision rests with the BJP’s central leadership. “It is in their hands,” he acknowledged. He noted that some groups within the Manipur BJP legislature party fear that forming the government without resolving ethnic tensions could lead to further clashes.
As Manipur navigates this challenging political landscape, the focus remains on swiftly forming a stable government to address the state’s needs and reduce the ongoing tensions.
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