Speculation is again rife. The Centre may consider sustained demand from BJP legislators to install a 'popular dispensation' in Manipur before the end of one year of President's Rule.
A crucial meeting was held in Guwahati and was attended by legislators, Kuki-Zo Council and representatives from Suspension of Operations (SoO).
Among other things the meeting urged that 'definitive political solution' for the Kuki-Zo people must be achieved before state assembly polls in 2027.
Manipur was placed under President's Rule on Feb 13, 2025 --- four days after CM N Biren Singh's resignation.
The resignation of Biren Singh came within a short period of appointment of Ajay Bhalla as the new Governor.
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| Guv Bhalla with Home Minister Amit Shah |
A large number of people were killed in Manipur in the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis and Zos in 2023; while scores of others were grievously injured.
Thousands had fled Manipur with over 8,000 people having moved Mizoram. Kukis share ethnic bonding with the Mizos and hence the demand for Greater Mizoram also was rekindled. One can say that the state of Manipur as a whole and three segments of societies -- the Meiteis, the Kukis and Nagas - cannot be seen flirting dangerously with civil unrest.
The northeastern region has seen enough of such clashes and enough of so-called ethnic 'cleansing'. Hence, President's Rule was generally welcomed.
Now the BJP legislators including former CM and his cabinet colleagues are keen to ensure restoration of a popular government because state assembly elections are due in Manipur by March 2027.
"We have one year card ... we have to use it to ensure smooth and comparatively easier return to power in 2027," remarked a BJP legislator.
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| Manipur 2023 : File snap |
In December 2025 ... the BJP high command cracked the whip urging the MLAs "not be guided and misguided" by civil society.
It was almost a snub to N Biren Singh and after a high-powered meeting with B L Santhosh (BJP general secretary - organisation); the Manipur BJP MLAs were "upset" as there was no formal commitment from the centre on installation of a popular government.
However, some ground work has been done. The informal channels were on. One indication has been that former CM Biren Singh may be brought to Delhi as the Rajya Sabha member.
This is also seen as a calculative move as the Congress MP in Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has on multiple occasions embarrassed the Centre and the BJP leadership for the ethnic clashes of 2023.
Biren Singh if comes to the Upper House can present his case and also typically point out at certain 'old lapses' of the Congress party in Manipur vis-a-vis alleged encouragement given to anti-India sentiment when the grand old party ruled the roost.
Moreover, moving Biren Singh to Delhi would facilitate the MLAs and the party high command zero down on a 'new face'.
Speculation is rife about several names. All said and done - Biren Singh would still be in the race as he is apparently 'reluctant' to leave state politics.
Among few names being considered are -- Thokchom Satyabrata Singh (Speaker of the suspended Assembly).
Other names include - Thongam Biswajit Singh
Govindas Konthoujam Singh, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh
Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Various pros and cons are being considered and being closely scrutinised by the central leadership.
Sources in the Sanghparivar suggest --
The priority for the new dispensation and especially the new chief minister (if at all a popular Govt is reinstalled) -- will be to clarify that the clashes of 2023 were essentially ethnic between Meiteis and Kukis.
The BJP/RSS version has been consistent that deliberately 'vested interests' within the country and overseas have tried to give the impression that the conflict was religious and communal.
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| PM Namo in Manipur : Sept 2025 |
The new regime will have to work hard to improve socio-political relationships between Kukis and Meiteis. And on this front -- it all appear easier said than done.
The BJP central leadership may allow a tribal Deputy Chief Minister. This suggestion may easily mount pressure on Kukis as if they decide 'not to cooperate' with the fresh arrangements - the coveted deputy chief minister post may be given to a Naga MLA.
Reportedly Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who is now also the chief of NPF, may apply his pressure tactics with the BJP central leadership to give a few juicy portfolios to Naga MLAs.
Notably; rehabilitation of internally displaced people has figured lately and even the Sangai Festival was embroiled in controversy.
This was a major issue of embarrassment for Governor Ajay Bhalla too. If this episode was a pressure tactics by a prominent leader, the BJP central leadership has able to read things "between the lines" as they put it.
ends
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