In a significant political development in Manipur, a group of 10 NDA legislators visited Raj Bhavan on Wednesday to meet Governor Ajay Bhalla, urging him to consider the formation of a popular government in the state. The move comes amid increasing public concern over prolonged President’s Rule, which was imposed in February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The delegation, which included MLAs from the BJP, NPP, and one Independent, claimed the support of 44 members in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly. They asserted that barring the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs and five Congress legislators, the rest of the Assembly stands united in its appeal to restore an elected government.
“We conveyed to the Governor that people are growing restless, and the demand for an accountable, popular government is becoming louder. President’s Rule was meant as a temporary measure, not a permanent solution. The time has come to respect the people’s will,” said Thockchom Radheshyam Singh, one of the MLAs who met the Governor.
The urgency in their tone reflected a deep sense of frustration with the current political vacuum. The MLAs emphasized that the state’s peace and normalcy could only return through a democratically elected government, and reassured that if such an administration fails to deliver, the option to reimpose President’s Rule remains open.
The group also submitted a letter to the Governor, reiterating a previous appeal sent to the Prime Minister and Home Minister on April 29. That letter, signed by 21 NDA MLAs, had highlighted the absence of effective governance since President’s Rule began, and stressed the need for a people’s government to address the state’s ongoing challenges.
Interestingly, the current push does not include former CM Biren Singh or his close circle of MLAs, pointing to possible divisions within the ruling coalition. Still, the appeal to the Governor was made without proposing any specific individual for the top post, leaving the decision to the discretion of the central leadership.
Sheikh Noorul Hassan, another MLA in the delegation, reaffirmed the unity of the 44 MLAs. “We are not here with names or ambitions. We are here with the people’s hope. We want peace, governance, and progress.”
While this move signals hope for many in the troubled state, not all legislators seemed aligned. L Susindro Meitei, known to be close to the former Chief Minister, expressed surprise and disapproval. He remarked that such decisions should ideally come from the party leadership, though he acknowledged the grievances raised.
As Manipur continues to grapple with political uncertainty and public unrest, this latest appeal adds a new chapter to the unfolding crisis. The coming days will be crucial, as the Governor now considers whether to initiate the process of reinstating a popular government—an outcome that many believe could be the first step toward healing and stability.