44 MLAs Ready to Form New Government in Manipur, Says BJP Legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh
BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh on Wednesday claimed that 44 MLAs are prepared to form a new government in Manipur, as political developments continue to unfold in the conflict-hit state. Singh made the statement after meeting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan, accompanied by nine other MLAs.
“We informed the governor that 44 MLAs are ready to form a new government, reflecting the will of the people,” Singh told reporters. “We also discussed potential solutions to the current crisis.”
He added that Governor Bhalla listened carefully to their concerns and assured them that appropriate steps would be taken in the interest of the people.
When asked whether the group formally staked a claim to form the government, Singh said the final call rests with the BJP’s central leadership.
“Nonetheless, by conveying our readiness, we’ve effectively made our intent clear. Speaker Th Satyabrata has met all 44 MLAs—both individually and as a group—and none have objected to forming a new government,” he said.
A State in Crisis
Singh also highlighted the hardships endured by the people of Manipur, citing two years lost to the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous term, followed by two more years lost to ethnic unrest in the current term.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. His departure came amid mounting criticism over his handling of the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023 and has claimed over 250 lives.
The state’s 60-member Assembly currently has 59 sitting MLAs, with one seat vacant due to the death of a legislator. The BJP-led coalition comprises 32 Meitei MLAs, three Manipuri Muslim MLAs, and nine Naga legislators, totaling 44.
The Congress holds five seats, all represented by Meiteis. Meanwhile, the remaining 10 MLAs are Kukis, including seven elected on BJP tickets, two from the Kuki People’s Alliance, and one Independent.
Tensions Escalate Again
The move to form a new government comes amid fresh unrest in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley, triggered by an incident in Gwaltabi on May 20. During the event, security forces allegedly covered the state’s name written on the windshield of a government bus, leading to widespread anger.
Meitei groups have since demanded a public apology from the governor and called for the resignation of the chief secretary, DGP, and security advisor.
Although the violence and tensions had gradually eased in recent months due to peace-building efforts by the Centre, the Gwaltabi incident has reignited unrest and deepened the divide between communities.
While Meitei organizations insist on protecting Manipur’s territorial integrity, Kuki-Zo groups advocate for a separate administrative structure in the hill districts as the only viable solution to the conflict.
As political maneuvers continue and public sentiments remain volatile, all eyes are now on the governor and the BJP central leadership to see how they will respond to the proposed government formation amid an ongoing crisis.
