Manipur NDA MLAs, leaders head to Delhi amid govt formation buzz

Imphal: NDA MLAs and leaders from Manipur have headed to New Delhi after being summoned for a meeting by the central leadership, fuelling speculation about the possible reinstatement of a popular govt in the state.The NDA MLAs and leaders were asked to arrive in New Delhi by Monday afternoon. Sources said the meeting will be held either on Monday or Tuesday.The development came at a time when President’s rule in Manipur is set to complete one year next week.Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, Manipur assembly speaker Th Satyabrata, BJP Manipur president A Sharda Devi, National People’s Party (NPP) state unit president Lorho S Pfoze, and Naga People’s Front (NPF) state unit president Awangbow Newmai were among over 35 NDA MLAs and party state presidents, who left Imphal for Delhi on Sunday.Responding to media queries at Imphal airport, Singh said all the NDA MLAs have been called for the meeting. “Since the President’s rule is set to complete one year, we are hopeful that a positive outcome regarding govt formation will emerge,” he said.Devi also expressed confidence of forming govt soon since all the NDA MLAs were asked to come for the meet.NPF state president Awangbow Newmai confirmed that all legislators of his party have been asked to come to Delhi. “I have informed all our members,” he said.Several BJP legislators also voiced optimism about the possible reinstatement of popular govt in the state.Reliable sources said the Kuki-Zo MLAs are also likely to be present in the meeting.Earlier in Dec last year, BJP legislators from Manipur sat together at a party meeting in New Delhi, marking the first such joint interaction in over two and a half years since communal violence erupted in the state in May 2023. At least 34 BJP MLAs were present during the party legislature meeting held at the BJP’s national headquarters, convened by the party’s central leadership.The opposition Congress has been criticising BJP for its inability to form the govt despite having a majority and demanding the conduct of fresh polls.Manipur has been placed under President’s rule since Feb 13 last year, after Singh resigned from the chief ministerial post on Feb 9.