BJP-Led Coalition Signals End to President’s Rule Amid Ethnic Tensions
Imphal – BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh announced on May 28, 2025, that 44 MLAs are prepared to form a new government in Manipur, following a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The move, aimed at ending President’s Rule imposed in February, comes amid ongoing ethnic violence and public unrest, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.
A Unified Coalition for Governance
Singh, joined by nine other MLAs—eight from the BJP, one from the National People’s Party (NPP), and one Independent—met the governor at Raj Bhavan to stake their claim. The coalition, comprising 32 Meitei MLAs, three Manipuri Muslim MLAs, and nine Naga legislators, reflects a broad alliance in the 59-member Manipur Assembly (one seat vacant due to a legislator’s death). “We conveyed that 44 MLAs are united to form a government in line with public aspirations,” Singh stated, noting that Speaker Th Satyabrata had verified the coalition’s support. The Congress (five Meitei MLAs) and 10 Kuki MLAs (seven BJP, two Kuki People’s Alliance, one Independent) are not part of this coalition.
Backdrop of Ethnic Strife and Protests
The coalition’s formation follows public outrage in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, triggered by a May 20 incident in Gwaltabi where security forces allegedly defaced a government bus, perceived as an affront to state identity. Meitei groups have since demanded an apology from Governor Bhalla and the resignation of key officials. Ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, ongoing since May 2023, have claimed over 250 lives, with Meiteis advocating for territorial integrity and Kuki-Zo groups seeking a separate hill administration. Singh highlighted the governance vacuum, stating, “Two years were lost to COVID, and two more to this conflict.”
Political Maneuvering and Central Oversight
The coalition awaits approval from the BJP’s central leadership, with Singh clarifying, “The final call rests with Delhi.” President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid criticism over his handling of the violence. The cancellation of the February 10 Assembly session by Governor Bhalla, citing a potential no-confidence motion, had sparked allegations of constitutional overreach from the Congress, referencing Article 174(1). Political analyst Okram Joy Singh warned that without a new government by mid-February, Manipur risked further instability.
Public Sentiment and Security Concerns
Public frustration with President’s Rule, which has failed to restore normalcy, underpins the call for a “popular government.” A memorandum by 21 MLAs in April urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to reinstate elected governance, citing a “voiceless” populace. Security operations from May 19-25 led to the arrest of 13 insurgents, highlighting the state’s volatility. Governor Bhalla, leveraging his experience as a former Union Home Secretary, assured the MLAs of actions in the public’s interest.
What’s Next for Manipur?
The coalition’s claim offers hope for stability but faces challenges due to the exclusion of Kuki MLAs, deepening ethnic divides. The BJP’s central leadership, awaiting Modi’s return from a U.S. visit, will select the next chief minister, with A Sharda Devi and Thounaojam Basanta Singh as frontrunners. Posts on X reflect cautious optimism, with
@BhaskarEnglish_ noting the coalition’s strength and others urging swift action to address public hardships. Without inclusive dialogue, the new government may struggle to bridge communal tensions. Manipur stands at a crossroads, with its future hinging on Delhi’s decision.
Manipur Assembly: Current Party-Wise Strength
The Manipur Legislative Assembly has 59 active seats following the 2022 elections (one seat vacant). Below is the current party-wise strength based on available data:
| Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 37 |
| National People’s Party (NPP) | 7 |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 5 |
| Naga People’s Front (NPF) | 5 |
| Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) | 1 |
| Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) | 2 |
| Independents | 2 |
Notes:
- The BJP’s 37 seats include seven Kuki MLAs, who are not part of the 44-MLA coalition. The coalition comprises 30 BJP MLAs (non-Kuki), seven NPP MLAs, five NPF MLAs, one JD(U) MLA, and one Independent.
- The Congress (five seats) and Kuki MLAs (10 seats: seven BJP, two KPA, one Independent) are not aligned with the coalition.
- The majority mark in the 59-member Assembly is 30 seats. The coalition’s 44 MLAs exceed this threshold, ensuring a strong majority if approved.