BJP leaders’ visit sparks talk of govt formation in Mnp

Amid growing demands from party legislators for the reinstatement of an elected government in Manipur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santosh and northeast coordinator Sambit Patra arrived in Imphal on Wednesday for a three-day visit. Their arrival has intensified speculation about possible moves toward restoring a popular government in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since February.
The Centre imposed President’s Rule earlier this year following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid the protracted ethnic crisis that erupted in May 2023. Since then, governance has been overseen directly by the Centre, but BJP legislators have repeatedly pressed for the reinstatement of a representative government, arguing that prolonged President’s Rule has weakened administration and eroded public trust.
Upon arrival at Imphal International Airport, Santosh and Patra were received by state BJP president A. Sharda Devi and party MLAs. They proceeded to the party’s head office at Thambal Sanglen, where they held a closed-door meeting with legislators from the valley districts. The meeting, chaired by Sharda Devi, was attended by former chief minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker Th. Satyabarta, and nearly all party MLAs except those belonging to the Kuki tribe.
A post on the party’s official social media confirmed the meeting, noting that it was presided over by Sharda Devi in the presence of Santosh and Patra. While the agenda was not disclosed, party sources indicated that discussions revolved around the current political scenario, the demand for a popular government, and strategies to strengthen the party organization.
The visit comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure from BJP legislators, many of whom have openly spoken about forming a government within November. Recently, one MLA even stated that if the Centre failed to act, legislators would elect their leader and stake claim to form the government before the Governor.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh said the discussions were primarily aimed at strengthening the party in the state. On the question of government formation, he remarked, “The leaders will find the best way suited to the present situation.”
Another MLA, Tongbram Robindro, emphasized that the deliberations focused on consolidating the organization ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He added that the central leaders were aware of the public sentiment and had urged legislators to return to their constituencies and work closely with the people. “What legislators want is a government that reflects the aspirations of the people,” he said, stressing that restoring a representative government would help rebuild trust and stability in the strife-torn state.
Following the meeting with MLAs, Santosh and Patra attended an extensive session with state party office bearers, spokespersons, Morcha presidents, district presidents, and Mandal leaders, presided over by Sharda Devi. The discussions reportedly focused on organizational strengthening and enhancing grassroots outreach.
Later in the evening, the two leaders held another round of talks with alliance MLAs at Hotel Imphal, North AOC, where they are staying. The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.
The leaders are scheduled to visit Churachandpur and Senapati districts during their stay, where they will meet Kuki MLAs, party leaders, mandal-level office bearers, and workers. According to party sources, these meetings will focus on strengthening the party at the grassroots level and rebuilding community confidence.
The visit follows a key meeting in New Delhi where 26 BJP MLAs from Manipur camped for several days, urging the party’s top leadership to restore the elected government. They argued that prolonged President’s Rule has undermined governance and weakened coordination between civil and security agencies.
While the official agenda of the current visit remains undisclosed, speculation is rife that the discussions are centered on restoring political stability, rebuilding trust among communities, and addressing the aspirations of the people.