A closed-door gathering led by BJP national coordinator Sambit Patra and state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi drew in at least 27 legislative party members, strengthening speculation around a swift return of elected governance in Manipur. The event, aimed at laying the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit, prompted political buzz over potential government formation amid the lingering President’s Rule.
Chief figures including former chief minister N. Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata attended the meeting at the party’s state headquarters in Imphal, which lasted nearly an hour. Media queries on the agenda were declined by all participants. The party, in a statement via its X account, confirmed that top leaders including Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and MP Ajeet Gopchade were present to coordinate strategy and preparation for the PM’s likely visit, and to evaluate broader political developments.
This session builds on escalating political manoeuvres in the state, notably a meeting between a majority of BJP MLAs and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to discuss the governor’s office’s role ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. That earlier meeting had already intensified rumours about forming a BJP-led government.
Members of the Coordination Committee, an umbrella group of six banned militant outfits including the United National Liberation Front, announced their boycott of the expected visit by the Prime Minister, signalling persistence of communal and political tension.
Congress leaders have met the BJP’s political movement with criticism. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh demanded that the PM convene an all-party meeting during his tour to resolve the crisis, questioning the credibility of discussions held solely with BJP lawmakers. He deemed the short three-hour visit to violence-hit areas an “insult” to Manipur’s people, highlighting dissatisfaction with the limited engagement.
Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar called for the Prime Minister to engage directly with all legislators and visit violence-affected districts, pressing for meaningful dialogue rather than symbolic presence.
The PM’s visit is tentatively slated for 13 September, expected to include Imphal and Churachandpur among venues. District administrations have already initiated logistical and security preparations, including prohibitions on aerial devices in parts of the hill district. However, final confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office remains pending.
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