Despite BJP Marathon Meetings, Formation of Popular Government Remains Uncertain in Manipur
Calls Grow for Restoration of Popular Government; No Clear Decision Yet
A series of high-level meetings were held today at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Headquarters, Thambal Shanglen in Imphal, where the party’s National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh,State President A. Sarda and North East in-charge Dr. Sambit Patra chaired a crucial closed-door meeting with BJP legislators from the valley districts. The visit marks a significant political development amid growing public demand for the formation of a new popular government in Manipur.
The two senior leaders arrived in Imphal earlier in the day and were warmly received at the Imphal International Airport by State BJP President A. Sharda Devi, several MLAs, and party workers. They were later escorted to Thambal Shanglen where the meeting commenced around noon.
Closed-Door Meeting at Thambal Shanglen
The meeting, chaired by B.L. Santosh,A Sarda Devi and Dr. Sambit Patra, was attended by almost all BJP MLAs from the valley districts and hill district. However, the meeting did not see the participation of BJP MLAs from the Kuki community, who were notably absent. Party sources later clarified that separate meetings have been planned for the Kuki BJP legislators from the hill districts in the coming days. Among those present were senior leaders including Former CM N. Biren Singh, Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, Sapam Ranjan, Kh. Ibomcha, Th. Shyamkumar, Kh. Raghumani, Heikham Dingo, Kh. Joykishan, Karam Shyam, Th. Radheshyam, Y. Khemchand, P. Brojen, Usham Deben, Y. Radheshyam, Sapam Kunjakeshor, Th. Arun, Th. Robindro, K. Robindro, Asab Uddin, R.K. Imo, L. Sushindro, Th. Basanta, S. Rajen, Sanasam Premchandra, Th. Biswajit, S.S. Olish, Dingalung Gangmei, and S. Kebi.
The meeting reportedly focused on strengthening the party organization, reviewing the current political scenario, and addressing the concerns of the people displaced by the ongoing crisis. Sources said the leaders also discussed the growing public demand for the restoration of a popular government in the state.
Focus on Strengthening Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
Briefing the media after the meeting, Konthoujam MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh said that the primary agenda was to “strengthen the party in the state and make it more connected to the grassroots.” He further added that the leaders deliberated on ways to reorganize and consolidate the party structure ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Thanga MLA T. Robindro Singh informed that the national leaders had instructed all MLAs to remain active in their respective constituencies and work closely with the people. “They are aware of the public sentiments and the ground situation in Manipur,” he said, adding that the central leadership assured the legislators of their commitment to address all pressing issues.
Speaking to reporters, Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that the discussion covered a range of issues including the hardships faced by displaced persons, the continuing blockade of National Highways, and the need for administrative stability. He said that B.L. Santosh assured them of the BJP central leadership’s commitment to take necessary steps for the “early restoration of a popular government in Manipur.”
Meeting with Alliance Partners: NPP and NPF
Following the conclusion of the legislators’ meeting in the evening, B.L. Santosh and Dr. Sambit Patra held another closed-door meeting with BJP’s alliance partners the National People’s Party (NPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at Hotel Imphal.
Discussions reportedly focused on coalition coordination, maintaining stability within the ruling alliance, and finding a common approach to the ongoing ethnic and political challenges in Manipur. Sources suggest the national leaders sought feedback from the allies to ensure a unified stance in the days ahead.
Upcoming Visit to Hill Districts: Meetings with Kuki MLAs
Both B.L. Santosh and Dr. Sambit Patra are scheduled to visit Churachandpur tomorrow and Kangpokpi the day after, where they will meet BJP MLAs from the Kuki community and local party leaders from the hill districts. The objective, according to party insiders, is to “build consensus, bridge the divide, and strengthen the BJP’s unity across communities.”
A senior BJP leader(who do not want to disclose the name) noted that these meetings are crucial in shaping the party’s strategy for peacebuilding and inclusive governance in the conflict-affected state.
No Clear-Cut Decision Yet
While several legislators described the meeting as “positive and constructive,” no concrete decision on the formation of a new government was made. MLA Kh. Ibomcha remarked briefly to the press, “Popular government semba, under process ta leire” (The formation of a popular government is under process).
Meanwhile, MLA Govindas Konthoujam declined to comment on the specific purpose of the central leaders’ visit, maintaining that it was an internal party matter.
Journalists closely followed the movement of the BJP leaders from Imphal Airport to Thambal Shanglen, and later to Hotel Imphal, throughout the day hoping to get insights into the meeting’s agenda, which remained largely confidential.
Speculations and Political Undercurrents
The meetings signal the BJP’s attempt to consolidate its position in Manipur and address growing internal discontent. However, highly placed sources indicated that “no popular government will be formed until Meitei and Kuki MLAs come together in unity,” underscoring the complexity of the current political and ethnic divide in the state.
As the day-long deliberations wrapped up, one thing became clear while the BJP leadership is keen on reinforcing the organization and restoring stability, the road ahead for forming a “popular government” in Manipur remains uncertain.