Everyone in Manipur wants a popular government, 44 MLAs ready: BJP leader

"Everyone in Manipur wants a popular government," said BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, asserting that 44 legislators in the state are in favour of forming a new government to end President's Rule. Radheshyam said that the demand reflects both public sentiment and the will of the elected representatives across party lines, excluding the five Congress MLAs.

Forty-four MLAs are ready to form a new government in Manipur, BJP legislator Thokchom Radheshyam Singh claimed after meeting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Singh, along with nine other MLAs, met the governor at the Raj Bhavan.

"Forty-four MLAs are ready to form a government as per the wishes of the people. We have conveyed this to the governor. We also discussed what solutions can be there for the issue," he said.

Radheshyam said that Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata has personally reached out to all legislators to understand their views on the formation of a new government. He added that the state is prepared for the return of a stable, elected administration.

He also made it clear that while there is a consensus among the 44 MLAs, the final decision rests with the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Ours is a national and very disciplined party. The Centre will decide when to form the government," he said. He added that although there is no fixed timeline, efforts are underway to restore democratic governance at the earliest. "We have not set a target. As soon as possible-because it's the wish and demand of the public and elected members," he said.

Radheshyam confirmed that the delegation's meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla included discussions on various issues, such as the roadmap for peace and development in the state. "The Governor's response was quite good. We had a very cordial discussion, and I believe we will definitely find solutions," he said.

Addressing speculation around a formal bid to form the government, Radheshyam clarified, "There is no question of invitation. We just went and proposed the wishes of the common people and all legislators."

Providing a breakdown of the current support, he said, "We have 31 BJP MLAs, 6 from the National People's Party (NPP), 5 from the Naga People's Front (NPF), and 2 independents."

Manipur has been under President's Rule since earlier this year following N Biren Singh's resignation as the Chief Minister.