Manipur is potentially on the brink of restoring an elected government as the President's Rule nears its one-year mark. All the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) MLAs from the state have been summoned to Delhi by the BJP high command, signaling a crucial development in the conflict-torn state. The meeting, expected to be held on February 2nd or 3rd, has sparked hope for a "positive outcome" and the potential formation of a popular government.

The summons was conveyed through A. Sharda Devi, the BJP State President, while Sambit Patra, the BJP Northeast Coordinator, personally contacted the MLAs, instructing them to arrive in Delhi by 3 PM on February 2nd. Over 35 NDA MLAs and party functionaries have departed from Imphal for Delhi following this urgent call from the BJP's central leadership.

Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9th amidst the ethnic strife that began in May 2023. The violence, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands, exacerbating the divide between the Imphal valley and the hill districts.

The timing of the meeting is significant, as the current spell of President's Rule is set to end on February 12th. This has intensified expectations for a political reset in Manipur, a state struggling to recover from the ethnic clashes. Failure to form a popular government before this deadline has raised concerns that the state assembly may be dissolved.

Prior to departing for Delhi, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed optimism for a breakthrough. "Since all MLAs of the NDA partners are being invited for a meeting, I expect a positive outcome," he stated. A. Sharda Devi also told reporters that they were hopeful that a popular government would be formed.

MLAs from both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities are expected to attend the meeting. While the agenda for the meeting remains unclear to some MLAs, there is a general sense of anticipation that the central leadership will assess the situation in the state before choosing a leader. Lamsang MLA S. Rajen Singh indicated the possibility of government formation, with the leader to be chosen by the central leadership after observing the situation in the state.

The BJP holds a majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly with 37 MLAs. Allies NPP and NPF have six and five members respectively. This comfortable majority within the NDA alliance has further fueled expectations of a return to an elected government.

The restoration of a popular government is seen as crucial for Manipur's stability and progress, with many hoping that this meeting in Delhi will pave the way for a new chapter in the state's governance.