Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh confirmed on Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s central leadership has issued an urgent directive to all party MLAs in the state, instructing them to reach New Delhi immediately for high-level discussions scheduled on Sunday. The sudden summons has triggered intense speculation within political circles about the future governance of the violence-ravaged state, with sources indicating that the agenda could centre on government formation.

Speaking to the media, Singh revealed that several MLAs have already begun their journey to the national capital. “BJP is a national party with a structured decision-making process. The central leadership has specifically asked the legislators to come and discuss state-related matters. While nothing is confirmed yet, the timing strongly suggests it pertains to government formation,” he stated, adding that he remains hopeful a “popular government” acceptable to the people of Manipur will be installed at the earliest.

Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes since May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths, widespread displacement of thousands of families, and large-scale destruction of property. The continuing breakdown of law and order forced N Biren Singh to tender his resignation earlier this year, following which President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025. The 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, originally elected for a term ending in 2027, currently remains under suspended animation.

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With the BJP commanding 37 seats in the House, the party retains the numerical strength to stake claim to power even without formal allies. Political observers note that the prolonged central rule has drawn criticism from various quarters, increasing pressure on the BJP leadership to restore an elected government and demonstrate administrative stability in the sensitive northeastern state.

As MLAs converge on Delhi this weekend, all eyes are on the outcome of the closed-door deliberations. The meeting could either pave the way for Biren Singh’s return as chief minister or signal the elevation of a new face acceptable to both communities, marking a potential turning point in Manipur’s protracted crisis.

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