Guwahati: Political activity intensified in Manipur on Saturday as Bharatiya Janata Party legislators departed for New Delhi in large numbers, a day after the party’s central leadership summoned them for crucial consultations.
The sudden mobilisation has renewed speculation about the possible formation of an elected government in the state, which remains under President’s Rule.
From early morning, BJP MLAs began converging on Imphal Airport to board flights to the national capital. By the time this report was filed, at least 22 legislators had already left for Delhi, reflecting the urgency surrounding the meeting. MLAs S. Kebi, L. Shushindro, and Thongam Biswajit were seen rushing through the airport after arriving late for their scheduled flight.
The flurry of movement has raised expectations of a political breakthrough amid the prolonged uncertainty in Manipur. Several BJP legislators openly expressed optimism that the discussions with the central leadership could pave the way for the installation of a new government.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking before his departure, said he hoped the meeting would yield positive decisions. “Let us see. I am expecting a favourable outcome for a better Manipur,” he remarked, adding that clarity on the future course would emerge only after discussions with senior party leaders.
Party insiders indicated that Biren Singh remains a leading contender for the chief minister’s post should the BJP decide to form a government. However, sources also pointed to internal divisions within the party, with one group backing Singh and another rallying behind Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh. Legislators, including Y. Khemchand, K. Robindro, and L. Rameshor Meitei, are reportedly aligned with the Speaker’s camp.
Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh stated that the party had invited all MLAs, including those from the Kuki-Zo community, to attend the Delhi meeting. BJP MLA Paonam Brozen confirmed the summons, saying the legislators were heading to the party headquarters with expectations of a positive development. He also noted that Kuki-Zo MLAs had reportedly received invitations.
Echoing the optimism, BJP MLA Ushyam Deben said he believed a “popular government” could take shape by December. MLA K. Joykishan also described government formation as the central focus of the discussions, dismissing any notion of preconditions being imposed on the party leadership.
Not all voices struck an optimistic tone. BJP MLA Y. Khemchand emphasised that restoring peace in Manipur mattered more to him than political developments. “Peace is my main concern. I do not know whether a new government will be formed,” he said.
Senior BJP leaders, however, declined to disclose the agenda of the Delhi meetings. The developments have reignited political debate across Manipur, which continues to grapple with prolonged ethnic tensions under President’s Rule.
Earlier, on December 12, Biren Singh had revealed that BJP Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra personally contacted most MLAs, instructing them to attend the meeting scheduled for 5.30 pm in New Delhi.