Meitei Pangal groups threaten 2027 Poll boycott over Cabinet exclusion
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 05 2026: In a sharp escalation of demands for political inclusion, the Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation (MMWO) and All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO) have threatened a widespread campaign to derail BJP and NDA prospects in the 2027 Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.

Their ultimatum: appoint at least one Meitei Pangal MLA from the community's three sitting representatives to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand's Cabinet - or face voter backlash in key constituencies.

Meitei Pangal groups threaten 2027 Poll boycott over Cabinet exclusion

MMWO warns of poll revolt

MMWO president MA Chesaba, addressing reporters today at Manipur Press Club, struck a cautiously optimistic note before delivering a firm rebuke.

"We welcome the new NDA Government led by Yumnam Khemchand, but true governance demands inclusivity for all communities that stood firm during the crisis", he said.

Chesaba spotlighted the Meitei Pangal community's pivotal role post the May 3, 2023, ethnic violence.

"Our people were the deciding factor in pushing for settlement and normalcy amid the chaos.

Excluding us from the Council of Ministers now is simply the wrong approach-it's a betrayal of that trust", he asserted.

Recounting a history of marginalization, he said "Since the 2017 BJP-led Government, we have had ruling NDA MLAs, yet not a single Ministerial berth.

This must end".

Chesaba appreciated the Government's move to appoint Deputy CMs from Kuki and Naga communities, saying, it was a step towards lasting peace.

However, he warned, "If the Khemchand Government doesn't include a Meitei Pangal MLA, we'll launch a campaign across all our populated constituencies to reject BJP and its NDA allies in 2027" .

AMMSO echoes demand

Echoing MMWO at a packed press conference at Manipur Press Club, AMMSO president Imtiyas Heibokmayum outlined an aggressive strategy.

"If no Cabinet position goes to one of our three elected Meitei Pangal MLAs, we'll spearhead a boycott against BJP, JD(U), and NPP in every significant Meitei Pangal area", he declared.

Imtiyas emphasized the community's electoral influence, stating, "We are the deciding factor in 18 Assembly seats and both Manipur Parliamentary constituencies- Governments can't afford to ignore us" .

"Meitei Pangals have served in the Council of Ministers since the 1948 popular Government era- yet since 2017, we've been shut out of executive decisionmaking.

This is a massive gap that weakens Manipur's unity", he added.

His strongest criticism was reserved for the current setup: "A Meitei CM, Naga and Kuki Deputy CMs, but no Meitei Pangal in Cabinet? That's not an oversight- it's plain neglect and disrespect" .

Calling upon majority communities to stand in solidarity for the rights of minorities, Imtiyas said, "We crave peace and stability, but if denied representation, we'll intensify our movement without hesitation" .

The dual warnings underscored growing frustration among Manipur's Meitei Pangal population-who say their loyalty during ethnic strife deserves reciprocity.

With the new Government still settling in, these groups position their demand as a litmus test for equitable power-sharing.