In a significant development aimed at resolving the political impasse in Manipur, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh disclosed that a high-level meeting was recently convened at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national headquarters in New Delhi. The gathering brought together the party's central leadership and its legislators from the northeastern state to chart a path forward for peace and the revival of the state assembly.
Delhi Meeting: A Unifying Step Towards Harmony
N Biren Singh, who returned to Imphal on Friday, described the discussions held in the national capital as positive and constructive. He emphasized that the meeting saw a collective coming together of the party's elected representatives. The assembly has been under suspended animation since February 13, following the imposition of President's Rule. This constitutional move came shortly after Singh himself tendered his resignation on February 9.
The former Chief Minister highlighted that the dialogue in Delhi was a proactive initiative by the BJP's top brass. "The party's top leaders took the initiative to establish a cohesive atmosphere among BJP legislators for working collectively towards restoring peace and harmony," Singh stated. This effort is seen as a parallel track to the ongoing talks between civil society representatives of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Broad Representation from Manipur's Communities
A notable aspect of the meeting was the inclusive representation from Manipur's diverse ethnic landscape. The attendees included:
- 34 BJP MLAs from the state.
- Legislators belonging to the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities.
- The president of the BJP's Manipur state unit.
This broad participation underscores the party's attempt to foster a unified approach among its own ranks before addressing the larger challenges facing the state. The presence of MLAs from key communities is crucial for building consensus on the road ahead.
The Path Forward: From Suspended Animation to Active Governance
The primary agenda of the Delhi huddle was twofold: restoring lasting peace in the state and facilitating the revival of the democratically elected Manipur legislative assembly. With the house in suspended animation, all legislative business has come to a standstill, and the state is currently under the central rule of the Governor.
Singh's remarks indicate that the BJP is keen to move from a phase of political stalemate to active problem-solving. The discussions signal a serious intent to bridge differences and prepare the ground for the assembly's eventual return to normal functioning. The success of this internal party initiative could be a critical precursor to broader political stability in Manipur.
As the state navigates this complex period, all eyes will be on the next steps taken by the BJP's leadership and its MLAs to translate the positive discussions in Delhi into concrete actions on the ground in Imphal and beyond.
