NEW DELHI / IMPHAL — In a move that suggests the central government is ready to end the year-long administrative freeze in Manipur, the BJP high command has summoned every legislator from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to New Delhi. The meeting, scheduled for Monday afternoon, is being viewed as the final consultation before potentially restoring an elected government in the ethnic-strife-torn state.
1. The Countdown to February 12
The state has been under President’s Rule (suspended animation) since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh.
- The Deadline: The current six-month extension of central rule expires on February 12, 2026.
- The Summons: Legislators were reportedly contacted by BJP Northeast Co-ordinator Sambit Patra and State President A. Sharda Devi, with instructions to reach Delhi by 2:00 PM on Monday.
- Participants: The meeting includes MLAs from the BJP, National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and JD(U). Crucially, sources indicate that Kuki-Zo legislators have also been invited, marking a rare joint interaction since the 2023 violence.
2. The Chief Ministerial Conundrum
While the buzz for a “popular government” is high, the leadership question remains the biggest hurdle for the BJP.
- The Contenders: * N. Biren Singh: Still a “strong contender” and currently in Delhi, though his reappointment remains sensitive given the ethnic divide.
- Thokchom Satyabrata Singh: The Assembly Speaker, seen as a neutral alternative.
- Yumnam Khemchand Singh: Former minister and another key figure in the mix.
- The Strategy: High command is expected to choose a leader who can bridge the gap between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to ensure a stable cabinet.
3. The Numbers Game (60-Member Assembly)
The NDA holds a commanding majority, making government formation mathematically simple but politically complex.
| Party | Seats | Alignment |
| BJP | 37 | NDA (Leading) |
| NPP | 6 | NDA Partner |
| NPF | 5 | NDA Partner |
| INC | 5 | Opposition |
| Others/Ind. | 7 | Mixed |
4. Security Concerns on the Ground
As news of the meeting spread, security forces in Manipur have been placed on high alert.
- Reinforcements: Additional central forces are being requisitioned to handle any spontaneous law-and-order issues arising from the political decisions made in Delhi.
- Civil Society Reaction: Groups like the Kuki-Zo Council have expressed reservations about joining a government until “prerequisites” for separate administration are met, while Meitei groups remain staunchly against any territorial changes.