Manipur Violence: BJP Government in Crisis as NPP Withdraws Support, BJP Splits into Two Factions

The BJP-led government in Manipur, under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, is facing a severe political crisis amid the ongoing ethnic violence. The crisis deepened on Monday when 19 BJP MLAs skipped a crucial meeting, signaling growing unrest within the party. This meeting, convened by CM Biren Singh to assess the state’s situation, saw less than half of the 53 NDA legislators attending. Notably, the NPP, a key ally in the ruling coalition, withdrew its support from the government, leaving Biren Singh’s position increasingly precarious.

The meeting, aimed at evaluating the state’s volatile situation, witnessed an absence of key BJP figures, including a Cabinet Minister from the Meitei community. The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities has already placed Biren Singh on the defensive. With 37 BJP legislators in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the absence of these 19 MLAs raises questions about the stability of the current government.

Compounding this crisis, the NPP, led by Conrad Sangma, officially withdrew its support, stating a loss of confidence in Biren Singh’s leadership. Sangma has made it clear that the NPP would reconsider its position if there is a change in leadership. The absence of NPP support, along with growing discontent within the BJP ranks, has increased pressure on Biren Singh to step down.

Congress has been quick to target the BJP, criticizing the government's internal discord and questioning the role of central leadership in resolving the crisis. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, pointed out that despite a 60-member legislature, only 26 legislators attended the meeting, highlighting the growing divide within the ruling coalition.