BJP Pushes for Meitei–Kuki Reconciliation Before Parliament Session; Manipur Government Formation Likely Before July 21
As the clock ticks toward the six-month deadline of President’s Rule in Manipur, the BJP central leadership has intensified behind-the-scenes efforts to broker peace between the Meitei and Kuki communities before the upcoming Parliament session. According to highly placed sources, the party views reconciliation as a precondition to forming a new government in the strife-torn state.
The BJP, which leads the coalition in the state Assembly, is reportedly aiming to have a new government installed by July 21, weeks before the August 13 expiration of President’s Rule. However, senior party leaders have conveyed that without visible progress in ethnic reconciliation particularly confidence-building measures between Meitei and Kuki groups government formation may be postponed, or the Centre may seek an extension of President’s Rule . “The priority is peace and trust. Forming a government without addressing the root cause of instability would be premature,” a senior BJP functionary said on condition of anonymity.
Highway Reopening Understood with Kuki Groups
One major breakthrough, sources say, is a tacit understanding between central interlocutors and Kuki groups for the reopening of National Highways, which have been blocked or unsafe for nearly a year. Highway access, particularly NH-2 and NH-37, has been a lifeline for both the hill and valley regions, and its restoration is seen as a symbolic and practical step toward normalcy. Despite signs of cooperation on infrastructure and dialogue, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) the apex civil body representing Kuki interests has categorically barred all Kuki legislators from participating in any future state government in Imphal.
While the agreement has not been formally announced, local Kuki leaders have indicated a willingness to cooperate, provided the Centre ensures security guarantees.
CSOs Delegation in Delhi
In parallel, a unified delegation of major civil society organizations—including COCOMI, AMUCO , and FOCS met Union Home Ministry officials in Delhi earlier this week. The groups submitted a joint memorandum demanding:
- Protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity
- Immediate reopening of highways
- Rehabilitation and return of displaced persons
- Opposition to any separate administrative arrangements
This rare joint action by CSO groups signals a coordinated push for resolution and pressure on the Centre to act swiftly.
Government Formation Hinges on Stability
Although 44 MLAs comprising BJP, NPP, NPF, JD(U), and Independents—have expressed readiness to form a government, the absence of participation from seven Kuki BJP MLAs, other three and the sensitive nature of the ethnic divide have made the Centre cautious. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has stated that efforts are on to ensure a “popular and stable” government is in place soon, pending the Centre’s final decision.
Meanwhile, sources confirm that any delay beyond mid-August could trigger automatic dissolution of the Assembly, prepared for fresh elections, or Parliament approves an extension of President’s Rule a politically delicate move that the BJP is keen to avoid.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025. With Parliament session set to start later this month, and the Centre wary of political fallout, all eyes are on whether the BJP can foster reconciliation and bring Manipur back under elected governance before August 13.
Whether peace-building efforts and backchannel talks can deliver a stable administration remains to be seen.
In an interview with The New Indian Express, Union Home Minister Amit Shah struck a measured but hopeful tone, seen widely as a signal of imminent government formation:
“There is no violence in Manipur at the moment, but the trust between the two communities has been deeply broken. Many NGOs, the government, and RSS are playing the role of a bridge between them.”
Shah’s remarks came just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from his foreign visit, adding further weight to expectations that a final decision on Manipur’s new government could come shortly.