Imphal: The N Biren Singh-led NDA government in Manipur is likely to face a constitutional crisis as multiple BJP MLAs are preparing to withdraw their support.
A BJP member who did not wish to be named revealed that 16 BJP MLAs could withdraw support and revolt against Chief Minister N Biren Singh before the commencement of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly session scheduled to begin on February 10.
Some BJP MLAs, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that besides the 16 BJP legislators, efforts are underway to coordinate with five Congress MLAs, five NPP MLAs, two NPF MLAs, and two Independent MLAs to mount pressure on the government.
Since the beginning of the ongoing conflict in Manipur, 10 Kuki MLAs have been absent from the House, further adding to the instability. Additionally, one seat remains vacant following the death of an NPP MLA N Kayisii, who passed away at the age of 58 in January this year.
Sources also said at least four BJP legislators are still camping in Delhi.
Adding to the uncertainty, the anti-defection case against five Janata Dal (United) MLAs who switched allegiance to the BJP is still pending before the Speaker’s Tribunal. The Tribunal is set to conduct a hearing on February 4, considering disqualification petitions filed against these five MLAs, who had joined the BJP shortly after winning the election.
On Thursday, Manipur Legislative Assembly secretary K. Meghajit issued a cause list for the disqualification hearing. The cases will be heard at 11:30 AM on February 4. The disqualification petition was originally filed by MPCC Vice-President Hareshwar Goswami against MLAs Kh Joykisan, Ngursanglur Sanate, Md Asab Uddin, Thangjam Arunkumar, and LM Khaute. Additionally, separate petitions were filed by M. Dorendro and M. Surjit against MLA Kh Joykisan.
Meanwhile, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata has announced that National People’s Party (NPP) legislators will be allowed to sit on the opposition bench in the upcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly session. The Speaker indicated that a change in the council of ministers could also be on the horizon.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the inauguration of Khuman Multipurpose Hall at Mayang Imphal, Satyabrata explained that the NPP’s move to the opposition bench follows a communication from NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma, who officially withdrew support for the BJP-led government.
Regarding his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Satyabrata stated that Shah had instructed him to conduct the Assembly session peacefully and provided general advice. While the Speaker refrained from disclosing further details, he confirmed that the Home Minister is fully aware of the internal conflict within the party.
The latest crisis deepened on January 28, when the Opposition Congress filed disqualification petitions against four NPP MLAs for continuing to support the BJP-led government despite the NPP withdrawing its support in November 2024. Manipur Congress Vice-President Hareshwar Goswami, a retired bureaucrat, submitted four separate disqualification petitions against these NPP legislators at the Speaker’s Tribunal.
Speaking to the media, Goswami’s lead counsel, N. Bupenda Meitei, stated that his client had filed the petitions against the four NPP MLAs for continuing their association with the BJP-led government in Manipur. The ongoing political instability and the pending tribunal decisions could play a crucial role in determining the future of the N Biren Singh government in the coming days.
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