Sources said the BJP may move ahead with forming the government even if the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs remain outside the fold. With support from Naga legislators and allies like the NPP, the saffron party believes it has the numbers to return to power in Imphal.
BY PC Bureau
November 12, 2925: Now that the Bihar Assembly elections are out of the way, the BJP is expected to move towards reviving its government in Manipur by revoking the President’s Rule, which has been in force since May.
The Centre faces limited choices: either dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh elections, or reinstate the previous government. However, extending President’s Rule for a third six-month term is constitutionally untenable, as the provisions of Article 356 restrict such an extension unless two exceptional conditions are fulfilled:
- A National Emergency (under Article 352) is in operation in the whole or any part of India; and
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) certifies that elections to the State Assembly cannot be held due to prevailing difficulties.
Since no National Emergency exists and the ECI cannot credibly certify that elections are impossible without contradicting the government’s own claims of restored normalcy, the Centre is widely expected to revive the state government.
Dissolving the Assembly, BJP insiders admit, is not a viable option, as it could provoke massive political backlash. The party has little to show for its governance record to either the Meitei majority or the Kuki-Zo tribal community, both of whom remain deeply polarised.
Sources within the BJP in Imphal said the party is seriously considering forming a government even without the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs on board.
“Even if they stay out of the government formation exercise, we have a comfortable majority with the support of the Naga MLAs,” a senior BJP leader said, adding, “Even the NPP is expected to be part of the government.”
READ: CCTV Footage Captures Fiery Moment of Red Fort Blast
READ: A Day After Death Hoax, Dharmendra Discharged from Hospital
Top BJP Leaders in Imphal Amid Speculation of Political Shift
In a move that has intensified political speculation, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh and National Spokesperson Sambit Patra arrived in Imphal on Wednesday morning, triggering talk of imminent political changes in Manipur.
Their visit, just days after the Bihar election results, is being seen as a turning point for the state’s political landscape. The two leaders landed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport around 11:30 a.m., where they were received by Manipur BJP President A. Sharda Devi and hundreds of party workers.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking to reporters, said the visit was “not an ordinary one,” hinting at major developments ahead.
“The central leadership had promised to restore an elected government in Manipur after the Bihar polls. Santoshji’s visit after such a long gap signals serious deliberations at the top level. Let’s hope for the best,” Biren Singh said.
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur in February 2025, following months of ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The Centre must decide before the current term expires whether to reinstate the BJP-led government or dissolve the Assembly.
