44 MLAs ready to form Govt in Manipur, BJP legislator tells Governor amid unrest

BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh on Wednesday claimed that 44 MLAs are ready to form a new government in Manipur. The statement came after he and nine other legislators met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to convey their readiness to lead the state out of the current political vacuum.

Singh said the group of MLAs, which includes members from the BJP-led coalition, expressed their desire to form a government "as per the wishes of the people" and shared ideas on resolving the ongoing crisis. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh stepped down amid heavy criticism over his handling of the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

The current 59-member Assembly (one seat is vacant) includes 44 MLAs backing the BJP-led front: 32 Meiteis, three Manipuri Muslims, and nine Nagas. The Congress holds five seats, while 10 MLAs are Kukis — seven of whom were elected on BJP tickets. However, the Kukis have boycotted state proceedings since the onset of ethnic clashes, demanding a separate administration.

Tensions have recently escalated again due to the May 20 Gwaltabi incident, where security forces allegedly hid the state's name on a government bus, triggering outrage in Meitei-dominated areas. Protesters have demanded an apology from the Governor and the resignation of key state officials. Amid this, Meiteis continue to oppose any division of the state, while Kuki-Zo groups insist that separation is the only viable solution to the crisis.