BJP MLAs return to Manipur hopeful of reinstating popular government soon

A few BJP MLAs, who had been camping in New Delhi for the past few days to urge central leaders to reinstate a popular government in Manipur, returned to Imphal on October 11 expressing optimism that their demand would soon be fulfilled.

Among those who arrived at Imphal International Airport this afternoon were MLAs Karam Shyam, Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo, Konthoujam Govindas, and Khumukcham Joykishan. The legislators said that the central leadership has shown positive intent toward restoring an elected government in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since earlier this year.

Speaking to reporters, MLA Karam Shyam said that unlike previous meetings, the latest round of discussions reflected a “visible concern and commitment” from central leaders. “Earlier, there was little mention of reinstating a popular government. But this time, BJP North East in-charge Sambit Patra and party general secretary B.L. Santosh expressed clear interest in the matter. We are hopeful that a popular government will be formed soon,” he said.

Sapam Ranjan Singh, another returning MLA, said that the delegation’s primary objective was to brief central leaders on the prevailing situation in Manipur and press for the early restoration of an elected government. “We raised the necessity of installing a popular government to ensure stability and public trust. The discussions were positive and we expect a favourable outcome soon,” he said.

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Around 25 BJP MLAs had been camping in Delhi for the past few days, seeking an audience with the party’s top leadership. On October 10, a six-member delegation led by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and former ministers Thongam Biswajit, Yumkham Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, and Kh. Ibomcha met BJP general secretary B.L. Santosh at his residence.

According to a statement issued by Kh. Ibomcha, the delegation apprised the central leadership of Manipur’s political and security situation and emphasized the need to expedite the peace process and install an inclusive popular government.

Earlier, on October 8, BJP MLAs held a meeting at Manipur Bhavan, New Delhi, attended by BJP North East Coordinator and Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra. During the discussions, Patra reportedly assured the legislators that the Centre was committed to restoring a popular government soon and that the term of the current President’s Rule would not be extended.

With a few MLAs already back in Imphal and others expected to follow shortly, the mood among the BJP legislators appears cautiously optimistic — reflecting renewed hope that Manipur could soon see the reinstatement of an elected government after months of political uncertainty.