The NPP had severed ties with the BJP-led government in November 2023, citing its failure to end Manipur’s ethnic violence, but four of its MLAs continued to back Chief Minister Biren Singh.
BY PC Bureau
The Manipur Congress has filed disqualification petitions against four National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs for continuing to support the BJP-led government, despite their party officially withdrawing from the ruling coalition two months ago. The move has reignited political tensions in the violence-hit northeastern state, where the BJP government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been under fire for its handling of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Manipur Congress vice-president Hareshwar Goshwami submitted the petitions at the Speaker’s Tribunal of the state assembly. Advocate N Bupenda Meitei, representing Goshwami, stated, “My client has filed the petitions against four NPP legislators for extending support to the BJP-led government in the state. They attended a meeting convened by the chief minister for ruling MLAs.”
🛑 Hareshwar Goshwami files disqualification petitions against 4 NPP MLAs in Manipur Speaker.@HareshGoshwami is retired bureucrat and currently the Vice-President of Manipur PCC.@RahulGandhi@Jairam_Ramesh @girishgoa@kcvenugopalmp @meghachandra_k @BupendaMeitei @INCIndia pic.twitter.com/vqeMhhmaQU
— Robinson Moirangthem (@RobinsonMoira10) January 27, 2025
The four MLAs in question—Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, Thongam Shanti Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Janghemlung Panmei—participated in the meeting despite the NPP national leadership’s decision to withdraw support. Meitei argued that their actions violated party discipline, making them liable for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection laws.
The NPP had officially pulled out of the BJP-led government on November 17, 2023, citing the administration’s “complete failure” in resolving the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. The state has witnessed large-scale displacement, destruction, and loss of lives, with the security situation remaining volatile.
The Manipur Congress has filed disqualification petitions against four National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs for continuing to support the BJP-led government, despite their party officially withdrawing from the ruling coalition two months ago. The move has reignited political tensions in the violence-hit northeastern state, where the BJP government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been under fire for its handling of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Manipur Congress vice-president Hareshwar Goshwami submitted the petitions at the Speaker’s Tribunal of the state assembly. Advocate N Bupenda Meitei, representing Goshwami, stated, “My client has filed the petitions against four NPP legislators for extending support to the BJP-led government in the state. They attended a meeting convened by the chief minister for ruling MLAs.”
The four MLAs in question—Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, Thongam Shanti Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Janghemlung Panmei—participated in the meeting despite the NPP national leadership’s decision to withdraw support. Meitei argued that their actions violated party discipline, making them liable for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection laws.
The NPP had officially pulled out of the BJP-led government on November 17, 2023, citing the administration’s “complete failure” in resolving the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. The state has witnessed large-scale displacement, destruction, and loss of lives, with the security situation remaining volatile.
The Congress is relying on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Meghachandra case, which mandates that pending disqualification petitions must be resolved within three months. Goshwami expressed confidence that the Speaker would act swiftly on the matter.
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At the time of withdrawal, the NPP had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. However, its exit did not threaten the BJP’s majority, as the party had 32 MLAs—enough to maintain power. The NPP’s strength was further reduced to six MLAs following the death of its Manipur unit president and MLA N Kayisii on January 18 after a prolonged illness.
The disqualification petitions come at a critical juncture, as political alignments in Manipur continue to shift amid the unresolved ethnic conflict. The Congress’s move signals a fresh challenge to the BJP’s dominance in the state and raises questions about the loyalty of legislators amid deepening instability.
The Congress is relying on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Meghachandra case, which mandates that pending disqualification petitions must be resolved within three months. Goshwami expressed confidence that the Speaker would act swiftly on the matter.
At the time of withdrawal, the NPP had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. However, its exit did not threaten the BJP’s majority, as the party had 32 MLAs—enough to maintain power. The NPP’s strength was further reduced to six MLAs following the death of its Manipur unit president and MLA N Kayisii on January 18 after a prolonged illness.
The disqualification petitions come at a critical juncture, as political alignments in Manipur continue to shift amid the unresolved ethnic conflict. The Congress’s move signals a fresh challenge to the BJP’s dominance in the state and raises questions about the loyalty of legislators amid deepening instability.
