Several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the state have demanded the restoration of a ‘popular government’, voicing concern over the prolonged governance vacuum and deteriorating law and order. The demand comes nearly a year after ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities, plunging the northeastern state into political instability and administrative paralysis.
The MLAs, cutting across party lines, have reportedly conveyed their appeal to the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and urged for immediate steps to revive democratic processes and restore public confidence in the state’s governance machinery.
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Context: Governance in Suspension Amid Ongoing Conflict
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions, displacement, and intermittent violence since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and the internal displacement of thousands. Amid the escalating crisis, the N. Biren Singh-led government has been largely dysfunctional, with ministers and MLAs unable to operate from their constituencies due to security threats and administrative breakdowns.
Although the Chief Minister has technically remained in office, many argue that the state has been operating under a de facto “President’s Rule-like” environment, with the Union Government and paramilitary forces taking the lead in maintaining law and order.
The MLAs’ demand for restoring a “popular government” highlights the growing discomfort within the political class over their reduced role in governance and the lack of public engagement in the decision-making process.
MLAs Voice Frustration and Appeal to Centre
Speaking anonymously, several Manipur MLAs have expressed frustration over the Centre’s prolonged silence and inaction in restoring full political and administrative functioning in the state.
“We were elected by the people to represent them and govern. But for nearly a year now, we’ve been sidelined. Public trust is crumbling. People want to see their leaders back in action and development on track,” said a ruling party MLA based in Imphal Valley.
Another MLA added, “The situation is still fragile, but continuing with a paralyzed government is not the answer. We are appealing to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take urgent steps to revive democracy in Manipur.”
Opposition Backs the Demand
Interestingly, even opposition parties such as the Congress and regional outfits have backed the call for restoring a functional and representative government. State Congress leaders argued that the BJP has failed both administratively and morally, but they support the idea of returning to a stable, accountable, and locally active government structure.
“The people of Manipur deserve elected leaders who can operate freely, visit affected areas, and initiate peace-building efforts. That cannot happen under the current paralyzed setup,” said a senior Congress leader in the state.
BJP Central Leadership Yet to Respond
Despite mounting pressure, the central BJP leadership has remained tight-lipped on the issue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously visited the state and promised a roadmap to peace and reconstruction, but local leaders claim little progress has been made.
The reluctance to act decisively, according to analysts, stems from the BJP’s fear of political fallout and internal dissent within the state unit, which has grown visibly fractured over the handling of the ethnic crisis.
Public Sentiment and Civil Society Reaction
Civil society groups, student organizations, and tribal bodies have also echoed the MLAs’ demands, stressing the need for democratic revival and visible leadership in the state. With elections approaching in the coming years, the absence of a responsive state government could significantly affect BJP’s electoral prospects in Manipur and the Northeast at large.
Many residents complain that the lack of communication between the government and the people has worsened their suffering and deepened the ethnic divide.
The demand by Manipur MLAs to restore a ‘popular government’ is not just a political statement—it reflects the urgent need for accountability, leadership, and public engagement in a state torn apart by violence and mistrust. As the Manipur political crisis deepens, all eyes are now on the central government to respond to the growing calls for democratic revival and regional stability.
Whether this demand translates into real change will likely determine the course of politics—and peace—in Manipur in 2025 and beyond.