Imphal, Feb 1: Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and 14 legislators belonging to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) left for New Delhi from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on Sunday following a summons from the BJP High Command, triggering fresh political speculation over the future of governance in the state.
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| Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addresses the media before departing from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal. |
The delegation comprises legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Naga People's Front (NPF), and National People's Party (NPP), reflecting the participation of key allies in the ruling alliance. Among those travelling to the national capital are Thokchom Satyabarta, Awangbow Newmai, Y. Khemchand, and Noorul Hassan, along with other NDA legislators.
According to party sources, the leaders are scheduled to hold discussions with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi on February 2. While the BJP has not officially disclosed the agenda of the meetings, sources indicated that the discussions are expected to focus on the prevailing political situation in Manipur and other organisational matters concerning the state.
The visit comes at a time when political developments in Manipur continue to attract considerable public attention. The state has remained under President's Rule, and there has been growing speculation in political circles regarding the possibility of efforts to restore a popular government. However, no official announcement has been made by either the BJP leadership or the Government regarding any such move.
Earlier in the day, BJP Manipur Pradesh President A. Sarda Devi, accompanied by several party legislators, also departed for the national capital for consultations with the party's central leadership. The departure of multiple senior leaders within a short span has further fuelled speculation about the purpose of the high-level meetings.
Before boarding his flight at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh briefly interacted with the media but did not elaborate on the agenda of the Delhi visit. Party leaders also refrained from commenting on reports linking the meetings to possible political developments in the state.
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Political observers note that meetings between state leaders and the BJP's central leadership are a regular feature of the party's organisational functioning. Nevertheless, the timing of the visit has drawn widespread attention because it coincides with ongoing discussions regarding Manipur's political future and governance.
Party sources maintained that the meetings should be viewed as routine consultations between the state unit and the central leadership. They urged against speculation until an official statement is issued after the discussions.
As of now, neither the BJP nor its alliance partners have made any formal announcement regarding the outcome expected from the Delhi meetings. The political consultations are being closely watched by stakeholders across Manipur, with further clarity likely to emerge following the scheduled discussions with the BJP High Command.
