Manipur NDA partners, BJP legislators summoned to New Delhi for meeting

IMPHAL — All National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners from Manipur, including almost all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, left for New Delhi on Sunday after being invited by the central leadership for a meeting on February 2.

This came to light when reporters sought comments from the leaders of the NDA partners as well as the legislators when they arrived at Imphal Airport for their onwards journey to the national capital on Sunday afternoon.

Among those leaving Imphal for the New Delhi meeting was former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.

When reporters sought his comment about the visit, Biren Singh said that all NDA partners are invited for a meeting at the Centre. "Let us hope for a positive response," he said.

It may be mentioned that the Manipur Assembly is currently under suspended animation, with President’s Rule completing one year on February 13. Biren Singh resigned from the post of chief minister on February 9, 2025. Subsequently, the Centre imposed President's Rule in the state on February 13, 2025.

While most of the MLAs remained guarded about the purpose of the visit, a few expressed hope that the Centre may consider restoring a popular government this time.

BJP MLA S Rajen, who represents the Lamsang Assembly Constituency, while reacting to questions by reporters at the airport, said that he expects a positive outcome, unlike the speculations on social media.

Most of the BJP MLAs, including H Dingo (Sekmai), K Robindro (Mayang Imphal), Sapam (Mayang Imphal), S Kunjakeswor (Patsoi), L Sushindro (Khurai) and Kh Ibomcha (Lamlai), said they are not aware of the purpose of the meeting, which is expected to be held on February 2.

National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs Janghemlung Pamei (Tamenglong), Irengbam Nalini (Oinam) and Independent MLA Sapam Nishikant were also seen at the Imphal airport on their way to Delhi on Sunday.

On the other hand, when sought her comment about her visit to Delhi, president of BJP Manipur Pradesh A Sharda Devi admitted that the NDA MLAs, along with the party leaders, were invited for the meeting. NPP state unit president Lorho S Pfoze was also seen at the airport to take a flight for Delhi.

In the 12th Manipur Assembly elections, the BJP got an absolute majority by winning 32 of the 60 seats, while the NPP, an ally of the previous government in Manipur, became the second-largest party by securing seven seats. The Congress and Naga People’s Front secured five seats each.