In a bold political move, a group of 10 NDA legislators in Manipur met Governor Ajay Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, asserting that they have the backing of 44 MLAs to form a popular government in the state. The delegation included prominent BJP leaders such as Yumnam Radheshyam Singh and Thockchom Radheshyam Singh, along with MLAs from the NPP and an independent legislator. Most of them represent constituencies in the Meitei-majority Valley, with one Naga MLA, Panmei, joining the group. Their aim is to end the ongoing President’s Rule, imposed in February following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and install an elected government responsive to public sentiment.

Speaking to the media, Thockchom Radheshyam Singh emphasized that the need for a popular government is now more urgent than ever. He said that emergency measures like President’s Rule should remain temporary and be replaced with a functioning government. The MLAs claimed that the support of 44 legislators — excluding the 10 Kuki-Zo and five Congress MLAs — is sufficient for forming a stable administration in the 60-member Assembly. They reiterated a previous demand submitted on April 29 to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, citing lack of peace and governance under central control, and urged for immediate democratic restoration.

Despite this strong show of numbers, some BJP insiders remain skeptical. L Susindro Meitei, considered close to former CM Biren Singh, expressed surprise over the developments and questioned the appropriateness of MLAs independently staking a claim without formal party endorsement. He acknowledged the grievances highlighted by the group but maintained that such initiatives should ideally be led by the party’s legislative head. Meanwhile, the Governor assured the delegation that he would give serious consideration to their proposal, setting the stage for a possible political reshuffle in the troubled northeastern state.