Imphal, Feb 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday formally staked its claim to form the government in Manipur by submitting a letter of support to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan in Imphal. The move marks a significant political development as the alliance seeks the restoration of a popular government in the state.
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| BJP-led NDA leaders submit their claim to form the government in Manipur to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan, Imphal |
The NDA delegation was led by the newly elected BJP Legislature Party Leader Yumnam Khemchand and included senior BJP leaders, alliance legislators, and central party observers. Following the meeting with the Governor, BJP Manipur President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi confirmed that the alliance had formally submitted its claim and was awaiting the Governor's response.
Addressing reporters outside Lok Bhavan, Sharda Devi said the delegation met the Governor in the presence of BJP National General Secretary and Manipur observer Tarun Chugh, who has been overseeing the party's organisational and political affairs in the state.
"We went to the Governor House and submitted the claim for the formation of a popular government in the state. Now we are waiting for the response from Lok Bhavan," she told reporters.
One of the notable aspects of the delegation was the participation of two legislators from Kuki-Zo-majority districts—LM Khaute, MLA from Churachandpur, and Ngursangur Sanate, MLA from Pherzawl. Their presence marked the first time in nearly three years that elected representatives from Kuki-Zo-dominated districts joined a political delegation meeting the Governor in Imphal amid the state's ongoing political and ethnic challenges.
The inclusion of the two legislators was viewed by political observers as a significant development, reflecting efforts by the BJP-led alliance to demonstrate broader participation while seeking to establish a stable government.
In a post on its official social media platforms, BJP Manipur confirmed that Legislature Party leader Yumnam Khemchand had formally submitted the alliance's claim before the Governor. The party stated that the delegation also included Tarun Chugh, BJP's National General Secretary; Sambit Patra, the party's Northeast States Coordinator; Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, BJP Manipur State President; and several other NDA legislators and leaders.
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The submission of the claim follows a series of consultations between Manipur BJP leaders and the party's central leadership in New Delhi over the past few days. Those discussions culminated in the election of Yumnam Khemchand as the BJP Legislature Party leader, paving the way for the alliance to stake its claim before the Governor.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Manipur as the BJP-led NDA seeks to restore an elected government following a prolonged period of political uncertainty. Attention is now focused on the Governor's decision regarding the alliance's claim and the next constitutional steps in the process of government formation.
If invited to form the government, the BJP-led NDA is expected to proceed with the formation of a new ministry, with the party reiterating its commitment to ensuring political stability, peace, and inclusive development in Manipur.
