Roadblocks to bid for new Govt formation
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: May 01, 2025 -

WHETHER or not a popular government is reinstalled wouldn't matter much to the general population as long as there are no violent incidents related to the Kuki-Meetei conflict.

However, for the BJP legislators, it seems that the semblance of peace returning to the state is a cause for concern in view of the public narrative shifting from violence to scrutinising inability of the BJP MLAs in staking claim to form a new government in-spite of the BJP-led NDA alliance commanding a healthy majority in the 6o-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, which currently is under suspended animation.

With the public well aware that lack of camaraderie among the BJP legislators coupled with some senior party MLAs lobbying for the post of the chief minister and escalating tension between the communities in conflict had led to the dismissal of the N Biren government, the fresh bid for reinstatement of a popular government wouldn't be smooth sailing.

As such, a group of 21 MLAs submitting joint representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging for reinstatement of the popular government in the state in place of the current President's Rule appears to be a mere formality aimed at addressing dissent among a section of the population, including civil society organisations, over possible extension of the President's Rule.

The representation was submitted to the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Home Minister's Office in New Delhi on Tuesday, acknowledged that imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, effective since February 13, 2025, was initially welcomed by the people with hope and expectations for peace and normalcy.

However, the representative raised concern that nearly three months after the centre took over charge of handling the state's affairs no visible action has been taken to address the ongoing unrest or to bring stability in the strife-torn state.

Further highlighting apprehension among the common people that the violence may reoccur, the MLAs in the representation, acknowledged growing public resentment and demand by civil society organisations for the restoration of an elected government.

The MLAs emphasised that installation of a popular government is crucial to restore peace and normalcy.

Contrary to the MLAs expressing that installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur, and pledging to work with dedication and devotion once a government is reinstated, the ground reality is that many in the state are relishing the violence-free days ever since the President's Rule was imposed.

Some of the BJP legislators who had been eyeing to grab the CM's post might shed aside their differences and defer their political ambition to facilitate the party MLAs chose a consensus candidate.

However, whoever is proposed for the hot seat would definitely face the daunting task of convincing the 10 Kuki MLAs to relent from their demand for a separation administration for the Kuki-Zo community, without which it is obvious that the unrest situation would continue to prevail.

In view of such a complex socio-political situation gripping the state staking claim to install a new popular government seems infeasible, at-least at the juncture.

As political uncertainty looms over Manipur, with the possibility of President's Rule extending for months amid the leadership vacuum as well as imminent opposition from the dissident Kuki legislators, who will emerge to lead the state and whether he/she would be acceptable to the BjP and allies, including the rebel Kuki MLAs remains a million dollar question.