Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 08:10 PM IST

Imphal: In a move signalling renewed political activity in Manipur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh and the party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra arrived in Imphal on Wednesday for a three-day visit aimed at assessing the political situation in the state and holding consultations with ruling party legislators.

The visit comes amid growing speculation about the reinstatement of a popular government in Manipur, a state that has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2023, following the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 8, 2023, and the unrest that erupted on May 3, 2023.

Purpose of the Visit

According to BJP sources, the leaders are scheduled to hold a series of meetings with BJP MLAs and office-bearers over the next three days. The discussions are expected to focus on:

• Reviewing the party’s organisational preparedness in Manipur.
• Assessing the overall political and social situation in the state.
• Planning the way forward for restoring an elected government.
• Strengthening coordination among the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in the state.

Officials added that Santosh and Patra will also travel to Churachandpur to meet Kuki community MLAs to gather feedback on the prevailing ground realities, inter-community relations, and governance challenges.

Calls for Reinstating a Popular Government

The visit follows a recent meeting in New Delhi, where 26 BJP MLAs from Manipur urged the central leadership to restore a popular government. The legislators highlighted that the prolonged absence of an elected administration had affected governance, public confidence, and the delivery of essential services.

BJP MLA Kh. Robindro Singh emphasized, “What legislators want is a government that reflects the aspirations of the people. Restoring a representative government would help rebuild trust and stability in the strife-torn state ahead of the 2027 Manipur Legislative Assembly election.”

BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan added that the meetings aimed at strengthening the party’s organisational framework in Manipur while ensuring that governance and administrative mechanisms are aligned with public expectations.

Political and Social Context

Manipur has experienced political instability and social unrest over the past two years. The resignation of N. Biren Singh in early 2023, followed by violent unrest in May of the same year, created a governance vacuum that led to the imposition of President’s Rule. The BJP, which has a significant presence in the state assembly, has been pushing for the restoration of an elected government to address administrative and developmental concerns.

The party’s efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in the Northeast ahead of key elections in the coming years. Coordination with NDA partners and engagement with regional and community leaders are critical elements of this approach.

Statements from Party Leaders

When asked about the possibility of restoring a popular government, B.L. Santosh told reporters, “Everything will be known,” indicating that the deliberations are ongoing and decisions will be communicated once consultations are complete.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who continues to hold influence within the state BJP, noted that the meetings addressed:

• Rehabilitation of displaced people following the 2023 unrest.
• Ensuring free movement along national highways, which had been disrupted during periods of unrest.
• Urging the central leadership to expedite the formation of a new popular government in Manipur.

Singh emphasized that such steps are necessary not only for governance but also for restoring public confidence in the political process and creating a stable environment ahead of the next assembly elections.

Regional Implications

The visit by Santosh and Patra underscores the BJP’s intention to maintain political stability in Manipur while reinforcing its organisational and electoral readiness. Analysts note that the party’s proactive engagement with legislators and community leaders is aimed at:

• Addressing local grievances and rebuilding trust among affected communities.
• Strengthening party cohesion and discipline in a politically sensitive state.
• Preparing for upcoming elections by ensuring aligned strategies between the central leadership and state units.

Outlook

Over the next three days, BJP leaders are expected to complete their consultations with:

• BJP MLAs and office-bearers across the state.
• NDA coalition partners to discuss political coordination and governance issues.
• Key community representatives in areas affected by unrest to assess reconciliation and rehabilitation needs.

The visit signals a renewed focus on governance, political stabilisation, and election preparedness in Manipur, reflecting the central leadership’s commitment to restoring a functioning government in the state after nearly three years of President’s Rule.

As the situation develops, all eyes in the Northeast are likely to remain on Imphal and the outcomes of these high-level consultations, which could shape the political landscape of Manipur well into the next assembly election cycle.