BJP steps up efforts to form govt in Manipur, appoints observer

NEW DELHI: The BJP has initiated steps to form a new government in Manipur, appointing an observer to oversee the election of the party's legislative leader as NDA MLAs from the state gathered in the national capital, ahead of the imminent expiry of President's Rule next week.

On Monday, the party named its national general secretary Tarun Chugh as observer for the process. A meeting to elect the BJP's Manipur legislative party leader is expected on Tuesday, followed by a gathering of NDA MLAs of the state. Sources said the BJP is also considering appointing a Kuki MLA as deputy chief minister to signal inclusivity and balance.

Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh and former ministers TH Biswajit Singh and K Govind Das - all from the Meitei community - are among those being considered for the chief minister's post. However, BJP's Kuki MLAs are reportedly under intense pressure from their community, making it difficult for them to offer a clear commitment to joining a future government. The Kukis are demanding a firm assurance from the central leadership on their long-standing demand for a Union Territory with a legislature.


President's Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, for six months following prolonged ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities, and extended for another six months in August 2025. The BJP-led government, headed by then-chief minister N Biren Singh, resigned on February 9. Subsequently, the 60-member assembly - whose term runs until 2027 - was placed under suspended animation.

The BJP currently holds 37 MLAs in the assembly, bolstered by defections from the JDU after the 2022 elections. Sources said that if a new government is not formed soon, the Centre would require parliamentary approval to extend the President's Rule in Manipur during the ongoing budget session.