On Wednesday, BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh declared that 44 MLAs are ready to form a new government in Manipur following his meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Singh, along with nine other MLAs, met the governor at Raj Bhavan.
"Forty-four MLAs are ready to form a government according to the people's desire. We have informed the governor. We also discussed what solutions can be there for the issue," he said.
He added, "The governor heard what we had to say and will take the first step in the best interests of the people." Asked if they would officially stake a claim to create the government, Singh replied that the central BJP leadership would decide. "But to give an advance notice that we are prepared is like staking a claim to create a government.". Speaker Th Satyabrata has met the 44 MLAs individually and collectively. No one is against the formation of a new government," he explained.
Singh pointed out the hardships of the people, stating, "People are suffering too much. Two years were lost during the previous term due to COVID, and two years have been lost during this term due to the war.
Manipur is currently governed by President's Rule since February, after BJP chief minister N Biren Singh resigned following criticism against his government's response to the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which broke out in May 2023.
Of the 60-member assembly, 59 are occupied and one is vacant because a legislator has died. There are 32 Meitei MLAs, three Manipuri Muslim MLAs, and nine Naga MLAs under the BJP-led coalition, making a total of 44. There are five Congress MLAs, all Meiteis. There are 10 other MLAs who are Kukis — seven who were elected on BJP tickets, two of the Kuki Peoples' Alliance, and one Independent.
The announcement is made in the backdrop of mass protests in Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley about hiding the name of the state on the windshield of a state government bus by security personnel. Meitei communities have been seeking an apology from the governor regarding the incident that took place in Gwaltabi on May 20 and also demanding the resignation of the chief secretary, DGP, and security advisor.
Ever since the May 2023 outbreak of ethnic violence, which has resulted in more than 250 deaths, the Meitei communities have demanded that any peace talks must respect the territorial integrity of the state. The Kuki-Zo groups, however, contend that forming a separate administration for their hill districts is the only feasible option to bring an end to the conflict.
The Gwaltabi crisis has heightened tensions, which had been easing over the past few months following a number of measures taken by the Centre to promote peace in the region.
Read also| PM Modi: Terror Attacks Are Part of Pakistan’s Deliberate War Strategy
