Amid Political Buzz In Manipur, BJP Likely To Prioritise Peace Over Power

Even as reports surfaced on Wednesday (28 May) of a potential bid to form a new government in Manipur, senior leaders at the Centre indicated that revoking President’s Rule remains highly unlikely in the near term.

According to a report by The Indian Express, 10 MLAs met Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, claiming the support of over 40 legislators to stake claim to form a government. However, BJP leaders later described the meeting as a "courtesy call", and not a formal move to reclaim power.

President’s Rule was imposed in the state in February 2025, following nearly two years of ethnic unrest between Meitei and Kuki communities and the failure of the previous BJP-led government under N Biren Singh to restore order.

Senior BJP sources cited by the report emphasised that peace and reconciliation remain the primary objectives of both the Centre and state machinery.

“Neither the national leadership of the BJP nor the Central government wants government formation as of now. The possibility of this is bleak,” a party insider told The Indian Express.

While some MLAs are reportedly eager to revive the Assembly — currently in suspended animation — party sources admitted that any new government would face serious internal contradictions, particularly along ethnic lines.

“There is no clarity on who could lead such a government. There’s unlikely to be unanimity on a chief ministerial face,” a BJP source said, pointing to deep divisions between Meitei and Kuki leaders, and longstanding calls to exclude N Biren Singh from any future leadership role — a key demand of Kuki groups.

Party insiders also noted that up to 3,000 looted firearms are still unaccounted for in the state, and that the security situation remains volatile.

“There’s no guarantee that a government, if formed now, will hold together. The risk of renewed tensions is real,” said a BJP office-bearer. “Even the MLAs backing such a move may struggle to stay united amid these unresolved grievances.”

The BJP central leadership, sources say, is likely to engage directly with concerned MLAs in an effort to temper their expectations and prioritise long-term stability over short-term political optics.

As of now, the message from New Delhi seems that order must precede governance — and any political revival must await the healing of deep ethnic wounds.

Also Read : Manipur Eases: For The First Time Since 2023, Home Ministry Brings Kuki and Meitei Groups Together at the Talks Table