Nitish Kumar-Led JDU Withdraws Support From BJP Government In Manipur

In a surprising move, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) has withdrawn support from the Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur, leaving its sole MLA to take a seat on the Opposition benches.

Although this decision does not affect the stability of the Manipur government, it sends a strong signal as the JDU remains a crucial ally of the BJP both at the Centre and in Bihar.

The development also comes months after the Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party, which is in power in Meghalaya, withdrew support to the Biren Singh government.

In the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections, the JDU secured six seats.

However, within months, five of its MLAs defected to the BJP, further strengthening the ruling party's position.

The BJP currently has 37 legislators in the 60-member Assembly, and is backed by five MLAs of the Naga People's Front and three Independents, giving it a comfortable majority, NDTV reported.

Manipur JDU chief Ksh Biren Singh has formally informed Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla of the party's decision in a written communication.

"In the election to State Assembly of Manipur held in February/March, 2022, six candidates set up by Janata Dal(United) were returned. After a few months, five MLAs of Janata Dal United) defected to BJP. Trial under Tenth Schedule of Constitution of India of the five MLAs is pending before the Speaker's Tribunal. After Janata Dai(United) became a part of INDIA bloc, support to the BJP led government was withdrawn by Janata Dal(United) by informing the office of Hon'ble Governor, Leader of the House(Chief Minister) and Speaker."

"As such, seating arrangement of the lone MLA of Janata Dal(United) in Manipur, Md. Abdul Nasir is made in the Opposition Bench in the last session of Assembly by the Speaker," the letter said.

"It is, hereby, further reiterated that Janata Dal(United), Manipur Unit does not support the BJP led state government in Manipur, and our lone MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, shall be treated as an opposition MLA in the House," it added.

Nitish Kumar’s JDU, which secured 12 seats in this year’s general election, remains a vital ally that played a key role in helping the BJP achieve its majority after a dip in its seat count.

The BJP and JDU are also allies in Bihar, where Assembly polls are due this year.

JDU president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, known for shifting alliances, rejoined the NDA last year after being one of the key players in the Opposition INDI Alliance bloc.

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