Fresh Hope in Manipur Crisis: 44 MLAs Ready to Form Government, Says BJP Leader

Amid the ongoing Manipur crisis and President’s Rule, 44 MLAs have expressed readiness to form a new government. BJP leader Thokchom Radheshyam Singh meets Governor with proposal.

Fresh Push to Resolve Manipur Crisis: 44 MLAs Support New Government Formation

In a significant development amid the prolonged Manipur crisis, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh on Wednesday claimed that 44 MLAs are prepared to form a new government in the state. This announcement comes after a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan, where Singh and nine other MLAs conveyed their intention to restore democratic governance in the conflict-stricken region.

Manipur Crisis Deepens Amidst President’s Rule

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The political vacuum emerged amid intense criticism of the government’s failure to effectively handle the ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that erupted in May 2023. These clashes have led to widespread violence, displacements, and a fractured political landscape.

44 MLAs Unite Amid Manipur Crisis

Speaking to the media after the crucial meeting, Radheshyam Singh stated, “Forty-four MLAs are ready to form a government as per the wishes of the people. We have conveyed this to the governor. We also discussed potential solutions to address the Manipur crisis.”

He further emphasized that the Governor listened attentively and assured that steps would be taken in the best interests of the state’s citizens. However, he clarified that the final decision rests with the central leadership of the BJP.

Political Composition Amid Manipur Crisis

The Manipur Assembly currently has 59 sitting MLAs, with one seat vacant due to the demise of a legislator. The BJP-led coalition comprises 32 Meitei MLAs, three Manipuri Muslim MLAs, and nine Naga legislators—bringing their total to 44. The Congress holds five Meitei MLAs. The remaining 10 MLAs are Kukis, seven of whom were elected on BJP tickets, with two from the Kuki People’s Alliance and one Independent.

Despite shared party affiliations, the Kuki MLAs have distanced themselves from the BJP’s current moves, citing unresolved ethnic tensions and lack of adequate representation in policy decisions affecting their communities.

Manipur Crisis: Speaker Meets All MLAs

Radheshyam Singh highlighted that Speaker Th Satyabrata had individually and jointly met with the 44 MLAs who support the formation of a new government. “There is no opposition to the idea of forming a new government. We are united in the belief that the people have suffered enough,” he said.

He stressed that two years were lost to COVID-19, and another two years have slipped away due to the Manipur crisis. The state, he argued, urgently needs political stability and governance to restore normalcy and rebuild public trust.

Ethnic Clashes at the Heart of the Manipur Crisis

The ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo groups have left a lasting impact on Manipur’s socio-political fabric. What began as disagreements over Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in casualties, internal displacement, and extensive property damage.

The state remains divided on ethnic lines, and several regions are still heavily militarized. Displaced citizens are waiting in relief camps, and normal life remains disrupted for many.

BJP Central Leadership Yet to Respond

While the proposal by the 44 MLAs presents a clear numerical majority to form a government, the central BJP leadership has not yet given a green signal. Insiders suggest the party is weighing the long-term implications of governance in a deeply fractured and volatile state.

Radheshyam Singh noted, “While we are ready, the final call will be taken by our central leaders. However, notifying the governor about our preparedness is in itself a step toward staking a claim to form the government.”

Outlook: A Turning Point in the Manipur Crisis?

The proposal to end President’s Rule and form an elected government could mark a critical turning point in the Manipur crisis. Political analysts argue that while numbers are on the BJP’s side, the success of any new government will depend on its ability to address the core issues that have plagued the state for the last two years.

With governance in limbo and communities still grappling with the aftershocks of ethnic conflict, the formation of a stable government might bring a sense of hope. However, any new leadership must work inclusively to heal divisions and restore faith in Manipur’s democratic institutions.

As Manipur stands at a crossroads, the people await concrete steps that move beyond political maneuvering toward genuine reconciliation and development.