Sources indicate that the Centre has already decided on the new leader, taking into account the complex political and ethnic situation in the state. The name is expected to be formalized during the legislative party meeting, highlighting the high command’s direct involvement in Manipur’s transition.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, February 2, 2026 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a decisive step toward restoring an elected government in violence-hit Manipur, appointing National General Secretary Tarun Chugh as the Central Observer for the election of the Legislative Party Leader.
The announcement came in a press release by BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh on Monday, just 10 days before the current term of President’s Rule is set to expire on February 12, 2026.
Sources said that Tarun Chugh will oversee a meeting of BJP legislators and allies in Imphal in the next three-four days , where the MLAs will elect a new leader to take oath as Chief Minister. Officials indicated that the Centre has already decided on the name, taking into account the complexities of the Manipur situation, and it is expected to be formalized at the meeting.
The BJP Parliamentary Board’s decision signals that the party high command is preparing to convene a meeting of its legislature party in the state to select a leader—likely paving the way for a new Chief Minister and the formation of a popular government. This follows intense political activity, with over 20 BJP MLAs from Manipur, along with leaders from NDA allies such as the National People’s Party (NPP) and Naga People’s Front (NPF), summoned to New Delhi for crucial consultations starting Monday.
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Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023. The conflict has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands, leaving deep divisions in the state. The Assembly, which has a term until 2027, remains in suspended animation.
The appointment of Tarun Chugh, a senior BJP leader, as Central Observer is seen as a procedural but decisive move to oversee the formal election process for the legislature party leader. Party sources indicate that the leadership selection will be guided by the central high command after assessing the ground situation, with meetings expected to conclude soon.
Optimism among some BJP leaders is high. Manipur BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, speaking at Imphal airport before departing for Delhi on Sunday, expressed hope for a popular government: “All NDA legislators have been called. We are hoping and believing that a popular government will be formed.” Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh echoed this sentiment, noting the inclusive invitation to NDA partners and defending his tenure’s achievements in development across hills and valleys.
However, challenges persist in the politically fragile and ethnically polarized state. Of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs (seven from BJP), only a few are reportedly willing to back immediate government formation without conditions. Several Kuki-Zo legislators have demanded written assurances from the Centre on their long-standing call for a separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo areas in the hills. Kuki-Zo civil society groups have outright rejected the restoration of an elected government, vowing to continue their agitation.
The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly, with NDA allies NPP (6) and NPF (5) providing a theoretical majority. Yet, stitching together a stable coalition remains complicated amid deep mistrust and ongoing security concerns.
Constitutionally, extending President’s Rule beyond one year is not straightforward without strong justification and parliamentary approval, adding urgency to the BJP’s deliberations. Central leadership faces mounting pressure to decide whether to restore elected governance or seek another extension.
Lamsang MLA S. Rajen Singh emphasized that the final call rests with the high command, while another BJP legislator, H. Dingo, confirmed the immediate summons to Delhi without details on the agenda.
As the clock ticks toward February 12, the outcome of these Delhi parleys will be critical for Manipur’s fragile peace process and political future. The appointment of Tarun Chugh marks a clear indication that the BJP is moving to end the year-long central rule and revive democratic governance in the northeastern state.
