In a significant political development in Manipur, over 10 MLAs – including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, May 28, staking claim to form a new government in the state.
Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh, speaking on behalf of the group, stated that the public wants a “popular government” and that this was the central purpose of their meeting with the Governor. “We also discussed other matters, such as how the functioning under President’s Rule may differ once a popular government is in place. But primarily, our focus was on restoring democratic governance,” he said. Singh noted that the Governor responded positively to their proposal.
He added that the MLAs submitted a letter to the Governor with approximately 22 signatures, underscoring their unified appeal for the formation of a government. “All NDA MLAs in Manipur are keen to see a popular government installed. We want public support as well,” Singh stated. Ten of the signatories were present during the visit to the Raj Bhavan.
On May 27, former CM N Biren Singh also met with Governor Bhalla to discuss the current unrest in the state, particularly the fallout from the Gwaltabi incident. He urged the Governor to initiate dialogue with protestors as a step toward resolving tensions.
The Gwaltabi incident, which has triggered protests across the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley, involved an allegation that security personnel stopped a state-run bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20. Reports claim that staff from the DIPR were forced to cover the bus’s windshield, which bore the state’s name, with white paper.
The situation in Manipur remains fragile. Ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo groups – ongoing since May 2023 – has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.
Following the resignation of N Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in the state on February 13, 2025. While the legislative assembly remains under suspended animation, it still holds its tenure until 2027.
