With February 12 approaching, Manipur’s political temperature is rising as BJP legislators rush to the capital, pressing for the restoration of an elected government.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi | February 1, 2026
With one year of President’s Rule in Manipur set to conclude on February 12, the BJP-led central leadership faces a complex political and constitutional challenge over the future governance of the conflict-hit state. Extending President’s Rule beyond one year may not be constitutionally straightforward, increasing pressure on the government to take a decisive call within the next week.
Amid rising political activity, more than 20 BJP MLAs from Manipur, along with leaders of NDA ally parties, left for New Delhi on Sunday night to hold crucial discussions with the party’s central leadership. The meeting is expected to deliberate on the possible restoration of an elected government or the continuation of central rule.
With growing clamour within the Manipur BJP for the restoration of a popular government, senior party leaders have been summoned to Delhi. Manipur BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi confirmed that all NDA legislators have been called for consultations.
“All NDA legislators have been called. We are hoping and believing that a popular government will be formed,” she said at Imphal airport before departure.
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed optimism, pointing out that the invitation had gone out to all NDA partners.
“Since all MLAs of the NDA partners are being invited, I expect a positive outcome. The President’s Rule term is due to end on February 12. Let us hope for a constructive decision,” Singh said.
He added that governance was a continuous process and defended his tenure, stating that significant development had taken place in both the hills and the valley during his time.
Kuki-Zo MLAs Set Tough Conditions
However, the political arithmetic remains delicate. Of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs in the Assembly — seven of whom belong to the BJP — only three are likely to support the immediate restoration of a popular government.
The remaining seven Kuki-Zo MLAs have reportedly conveyed that they are prepared to accept any role in a future government only if they receive a written assurance from the Centre on its willingness to consider their long-standing demand for carving out a separate Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people.
This firm stance has significantly complicated efforts to stitch together a politically viable and socially acceptable government in Manipur’s deeply polarised post-conflict environment. Kuki-Zo civil society organisations have already rejected the restoration of the elected government, asserting that they will continue their struggle for a separate Union Territory for the hill districts.
Leadership Decision Expected Soon
Lamsang MLA S Rajen Singh said government formation remained a possibility but stressed that the final decision would rest entirely with the party high command.
“There is a possibility of forming a government. However, the leader would be chosen by the central leadership after assessing the situation in the state. The meeting is likely to take place on Monday evening,” he said.
Another BJP legislator, H Dingo, confirmed that lawmakers had been instructed to reach Delhi immediately, though the agenda of the meeting had not been formally communicated.
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Leaders of NDA allies, including the National People’s Party (NPP) and Naga People’s Front (NPF), also headed to Delhi. NPP state unit president Lorho S Pfoze said, “Nothing is certain at this stage. We have just been called for discussions.”
NPP MLA J Pamei echoed similar sentiments, stating, “All NDA partners are going. Let us expect the best.”
One Year of President’s Rule Amid Deep Crisis
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands, leaving deep social and political scars.
Though the tenure of the Manipur Legislative Assembly runs until 2027, it currently remains under suspended animation.
The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly, while NDA allies NPP and NPF command six and five MLAs, respectively — a numerical advantage that theoretically allows government formation, but practical political realities remain fraught.
With constitutional limitations looming and political pressures mounting, the BJP’s central leadership is expected to take a final call within the next week on whether Manipur will see the return of an elected government or continue under central rule.
The outcome could significantly shape the state’s fragile peace process and its political trajectory in the months ahead.
