The BJP indicated its willingness to form a ‘new’ government in Manipur on Wednesday as President’s Rule remained imposed across the north-eastern state. A group of MLAs met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday to seek formation of a ‘popular’ government — nearly three months after the curbs were imposed. BJP leader N Biren Singh had resigned as Chief Minister in February amid criticism of his administration’s handling of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki Zo communities. Officials however indicate that the Centre is not

“Forty-four MLAs are ready to form a government as per the wishes of the people. We have conveyed this to the governor. We also discussed what solutions can be there for the issue. The governor noted what we had to say and will initiate actions in the best interests of the people,” BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh claimed after the meeting.

Central government sources however told the Indian Express that President’s rule was unlikely to be revoked in the near future. The priority of both the state and Central government was to ensure peace in the region. Offcials said that any political movement could derail the process which has now started to show results

The 60-member assembly now has 59 MLAs after one seat fell vacant due to the death of a legislator. The 44 member BJP-led coalition includes 32 Meitei MLAs, three Manipuri Muslim MLAs and nine Naga legislators. Meanwhile the Congress has five MLAs — all Meiteis. The remaining 10 MLAs are Kukis — seven of them won the last election on a BJP ticket, two belong to the Kuki Peoples’ Alliance, and one is an Independent.

The latest developments also come amid fresh protests in the Meitei-inhabited Imphal Valley over allegations that security forces had deliberately concealed the name of the state on a state road transport bus. Locals have sought an apology from the Governor over the May 20 incident as well as the resignation of the chief secretary, DGP, and security advisor of the state. The Gwaltabi incident has added to the tensions, which were waning in recent months because of a slew of measures taken by the Centre to bring peace back to the state. 

(With inputs from agencies)