MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra Singh slams BJP for failing to restore peace, challenging it to dissolve the Assembly and hold fresh polls. Amid growing anger and economic decline, the political cost of silence is rising for the ruling party.
BY PC Bureau
The Centre is unlikely to apay any heed to the Congress party’s demand for dissolving the Manipur Assembly and holding fresh elections in the conflict-scarred state.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal on Thursday, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and sitting MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh said the situation remains unstable, with ethnic tensions still simmering across districts even under President’s Rule. “This is the 665th day of violence. The BJP has completely failed to restore peace or normalcy. Manipur needs a democratically elected, representative government—not indefinite central control,” he said.
Meghachandra’s remarks came a day after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh claimed at a BJP event in Imphal that the party was confident of winning 40 out of 60 seats in the next Assembly polls. Throwing down the gauntlet, Meghachandra retorted: “If the BJP is so confident, then dissolve the Assembly and face the people. The Congress is ready.”
While the Assembly’s tenure runs until 2027, Congress leaders insist that the ongoing violence, administrative paralysis, and absence of a popular mandate amount to a constitutional breakdown—warranting immediate elections.
However, despite Biren Singh’s confidence, political observers believe the BJP would face an uphill battle if polls were held now.
Congress Seeks Fresh Assembly Poll in Conflict-Hit Manipur#ManipurCrisis #665DaysOfViolence #DissolveTheAssembly #CongressVsBJP#ManipurElections #RestoreDemocracy#EthnicUnrest #GovernanceFailure https://t.co/jhBb5O2wv7
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For one, there is visible resentment among Meitei groups—traditionally the BJP’s core support base. Civil society organisations such as COCOMI have condemned the prolonged President’s Rule, viewing it as a sign of eroding Meitei political authority.
Secondly, the ongoing crackdown on valley-based militant outfits like Arambai Tenggol—who present themselves as cultural groups and hold significant influence—has further strained relations within Meitei society. Many in the valley now feel betrayed by a party they once supported.
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Thirdly, the BJP’s image among the Kuki-Zo community has suffered irreparable damage. Accusations of bias, failure to ensure security, and political silence on atrocities have deepened distrust. The party is seen as having abdicated responsibility in engaging with or addressing the concerns of the Kuki-Zo people.
Adding to the BJP’s woes is the lack of a credible electoral narrative. Violence still plagues the state, and neither the previous Biren Singh government nor the Centre had been able to bring about meaningful peace. Development has come to a standstill. The tourism industry has collapsed, hotel occupancy in Imphal has plummeted to below 20 percent, and taxi services have suffered massive losses. The prevailing atmosphere of fear and despair offers no fertile ground for campaigning.
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Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued absence from Manipur since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, remains a political liability. His silence and refusal to visit the state have drawn widespread criticism. “How can the BJP ask for votes when the Prime Minister hasn’t even set foot in the state since the crisis began?” a Congress leader questioned. “Before calling elections, Modi must at least visit Manipur and apply some balm to the wounds of its people.”
So, with both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities resentful towards the BJP, an early election could prove to be a high-risk gamble for the BJP. The party’s defeat in both of Manipur’s Lok Sabha seats during the 2024 general elections has only reinforced the perception of waning support.
In this political climate, the Centre would never risk testing the BJP’s strength at the ballot box—despite calls for democratic restoration in a state that has seen nearly two years of unrest and displacement.
