Clock Ticking, ‘Needle Barely Moving’ in Manipur: NDA MLAs’ Letter to Centre Sparks Concern

Manipur MLAs Seek Popular Government Amid Ethnic Violence

A letter from 21 Manipur MLAs, including 13 BJP members, has been sent to the Centre, demanding a "popular government" in the state. The letter highlights critical messages to the Centre regarding the ongoing ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis, which has persisted for two years.

Key Points:

1. BJP MLAs’ Pressure on Chief Minister

   • The letter includes 13 BJP MLAs from the Meitei-dominated Valley, who were dissatisfied with Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s leadership during the crisis. They pressured the party to get him to resign, paving the way for President’s Rule in February.

2. Inclusion of Other Parties

   • Besides the BJP, the signatories also included MLAs from its allies, the National People’s Party (NPP), the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and 2 Independents.

3. Letter to Prime Minister and Home Minister

   • The MLAs sent the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that the Centre had to resort to President’s Rule due to the lack of a contender to form a government.

4. Significance of the MLAs

   • The 21 MLAs, comprising one-third of the 60-member Assembly, claim they have the remaining numbers needed to form a government. They are hoping for some development by May 15 and are ready to stake a claim.

5. Potential New Leadership

   • One signatory suggested that the CM could be any leader of the BJP high command’s choosing, while another mentioned that the majority’s choice was Th. Satyabrata Singh, the Speaker of the current Manipur Assembly and a key dissident leading up to Biren Singh’s resignation.

6. Current Political Landscape

   • Of the 59 current MLAs in the Manipur Assembly, 37 are from the BJP, 12 from its partners (NPP, NPF, and JD(U)), 2 from the Kuki People’s Alliance, 5 from the Congress, and 3 Independents.

7. Demand for Action

   • The letter emphasizes that the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy to Manipur. The MLAs argue that President’s Rule has not brought visible activity, decisive actions, or urgency, and that the absence of violence is not enough.
8. Pressure on NDA MLAs
   • The MLAs are facing pressure from the public, civil society organizations, and calls for their resignation. They are seeing how their discontent is boiling up, directly targeting them.

This letter highlights the ongoing tension and the need for a stable government in Manipur, as the state continues to grapple with ethnic violence.

Reference : https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/manipur-nda-mlas-letter-centre-9978829/