The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), officially withdrew its support to the BJP-led government in Manipur on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by JD(U)’s Manipur Chief, Ksh. Biren Singh, the party outlined its decision, which follows a series of political developments in the state. “In the election to the State Assembly of Manipur held in February/March 2022, six candidates set up by Janata Dal (United) were returned. However, within a few months, five of these MLAs defected to the BJP. The trial under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India for these five MLAs is pending before the Speaker’s Tribunal,” Singh stated.
The party also emphasized that after becoming a part of the INDIA alliance, JD(U) decided to formally withdraw its support to the BJP-led government. “We have informed the office of the Governor, Leader of the House (Chief Minister), and the Speaker regarding our decision. Our lone MLA in the Assembly, Md Abdul Nasir, was seated on the Opposition Bench in the last session of the Assembly by the Speaker,” Singh added. “It is hereby reiterated that JD(U), Manipur Unit does not support the BJP-led state government, and Md Abdul Nasir shall be treated as an Opposition MLA in the House.”
This move comes shortly after the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew its support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government in November 2024, amid growing tensions in the state. Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma had criticized the Manipur government’s handling of the ongoing crisis, writing a letter to BJP National President JP Nadda, stating that the government under Biren Singh had “completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy.”
Despite the withdrawal of support from both JD(U) and NPP, the BJP-led government in Manipur is unlikely to face any immediate threat to its stability. The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member assembly and has the support of five MLAs from the Naga People’s Front and three independents, ensuring its continued majority.
(With ANI Inputs)