Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following a prolonged period of violence and political instability, may soon witness the formation of an elected government, according to reliable sources. Sources said the new government could be formed before the commencement of the Budget session scheduled to begin on January 28, 2026. However, a final decision on lifting President’s Rule is still awaiting approval from the Prime Minister, with key Central leaders awaiting his response.
Officials of the Union Home Ministry have held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including leaders from the Meitei, Naga and Kuki communities, to assess the situation and explore the possibility of government formation. After evaluating the ground situation, the Ministry has reportedly submitted its assessment to the Central Government, suggesting that conditions are now conducive for the installation of a state government. Sources said the Centre is closely monitoring potential developments that may follow the formation of a government. According to them, Kuki leaders have demanded three ministerial posts—two from Churachandpur and one from Kangpokpi—along with the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
Kuki groups that had earlier opposed the formation of a government have now fallen silent, the sources added. During discussions with Union Home Ministry officials, Naga stakeholders raised no objections to government formation, while Kuki representatives expressed only a few concerns. The Centre’s primary concern, sources said, remains how the Meitei community will respond once a government is installed.
Despite the prevailing sensitivities, Manipur may see the return of an elected government either before the Budget session begins on January 28 or during the upcoming Parliament session. Another source said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to accommodate two National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs in the Manipur Cabinet. The NPP, a BJP ally, has six MLAs in the state.
Meanwhile, several BJP MLAs told The Sangai Express that legislators across party lines believe the Centre will soon revive the state government, as the current term of President’s Rule is set to expire on February 12. They said there is a unanimous desire among MLAs for Manipur to be governed by an elected government. Some BJP legislators also indicated that a government could be formed even before January 26, noting that invitations for Republic Day celebrations have not yet been printed—something they believe may be a signal.
Meanwhile, Thongju MLA Th Biswajit reportedly flew to Guwahati on Monday night to meet senior RSS leaders. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9, 2025.
