Meitei, Kuki BJP MLAs in Delhi: Senior leaders advise party on inclusive govt; first meet since ethnic clashes in May 2023

IMPHAL: Manipur BJP legislators from the Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga communities sat together at a party meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, marking the first such joint interaction in over two-and-a-half years since the ethnic clashes erupted in the state in May 2023.

At least 34 MLAs attended the meeting held at the BJP’s national headquarters, convened by the party’s central leadership. State BJP president A Sharda Devi was also present.


During the deliberations, senior party leaders reportedly advised the legislators to work collectively towards restoring political stability and forming an inclusive govt that reflects all communities in the state.

The Delhi meeting is being seen as a possible step towards political reconciliation and a roadmap for restoring an elected govt.

According to party sources, BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh and the party’s northeast coordinator Sambit Patra met the Meitei and Kuki-Zo MLAs separately before holding a joint meeting. The discussions reportedly lasted more than three hours.

Sources said the central leadership is keen on reinstating a popular govt in Manipur. The meeting has assumed significance amid growing demands from a section of BJP MLAs and leaders that the party should stake its claim to form a govt in the state.

Political speculation had intensified last month after senior BJP functionaries, including BL Santhosh and Sambit Patra, visited Manipur and held a series of consultations with party leaders and legislators.

The latest development comes a day after President’s Rule in Manipur completed ten months, having been imposed on February 13.

Meanwhile, three BJP MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community — Letpao Haokip, Vungzagin Valte and Paolienlal Haokip — did not attend the meeting due to personal reasons.

BJP has 37 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly.