BJP Initiates Process to Elect New Chief Minister in Manipur; Tarun Chugh Appointed as Central Observer
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally initiated the process to elect a new Chief Minister in Manipur, marking a significant political development just days before the second term of President’s Rule in the state is set to expire. The party’s national general secretary, Tarun Chugh, has been appointed as the central observer to oversee the crucial process of selecting the legislative party leader, who is expected to stake claim to form the next government.
In an official communication, BJP National General Secretary and headquarters in-charge Arun Kumar confirmed the appointment. “The BJP Parliamentary Board has appointed Shri Tarun Chugh, National General Secretary, as Central Observer for the election of the Legislative Party Leader in Manipur,” the letter stated, underlining the party’s intent to move swiftly towards restoring an elected government in the northeastern state.
As part of the process, all BJP MLAs from Manipur were called to New Delhi for a high-level meeting with the party’s top leadership on Wednesday. The gathering is seen as a key step in building internal consensus and finalizing the name of the leader who will head the next BJP government in the state.
Among the prominent leaders who arrived in the national capital were former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Manipur Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh, and former minister Y Khemchand Singh. BJP state president A Sharda Devi was also present, highlighting the importance of the meeting for both the state and central leadership.
Background of President’s Rule in Manipur
President’s Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following months of intense ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The unrest had led to a severe breakdown in law and order, creating an atmosphere of political uncertainty and administrative challenges across the state.
The initial six-month period of central rule was later extended in August 2025 for another six months, pushing the deadline to early February 2026. With this extended period now nearing its end, political parties, especially the BJP, are under pressure to demonstrate their ability to form a stable government and restore the normal functioning of the state assembly.
The imposition of President’s Rule followed the resignation of the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh on February 9, 2025. After the resignation, the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, whose term runs until 2027, was placed under suspended animation, allowing the central government to administer the state directly.
BJP’s Strategy and Leadership Selection
By appointing a central observer, the BJP has signaled its intention to ensure a smooth and transparent internal process for selecting its legislative party leader. Tarun Chugh’s role will involve consulting with party MLAs, assessing the political situation on the ground, and helping build consensus around a candidate who can command majority support in the assembly.
Party sources indicate that the leadership is keen to avoid internal divisions and present a united front, especially given the sensitive social and political environment in Manipur. Stability, reconciliation, and governance are expected to be key themes in the selection of the new Chief Minister.
Number Game in the Manipur Assembly
The BJP currently enjoys a strong numerical advantage in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The party now holds 37 seats in the 60-member House, following a series of defections from the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U).
In the 2022 assembly elections, the BJP had originally secured 32 seats. However, recent political shifts saw five of the six JD(U) MLAs join the saffron party, boosting its tally and further strengthening its position to form the government on its own.
The rest of the assembly is made up of six MLAs from the National People’s Party (NPP), five from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and five from the Congress. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) holds two seats, while JD(U) retains just one MLA after the defections. There are also three independent members in the House.
One seat is currently vacant following the death of a sitting legislator, slightly reducing the effective strength of the assembly.
Political Implications and Road Ahead
With a comfortable majority, the BJP is widely expected to stake claim to form the next government in Manipur once the internal leadership process is completed. However, political observers note that the challenges ahead extend beyond numbers alone.
The new Chief Minister will face the task of restoring peace, rebuilding trust among communities, and ensuring the return of normalcy in a state that has witnessed prolonged unrest. Development, rehabilitation of displaced families, and strengthening law and order are expected to be top priorities for the incoming administration.
The central leadership’s active involvement in the process also reflects the strategic importance of Manipur in the northeastern political landscape. A stable government in the state is seen as crucial for regional security, economic development, and maintaining political balance in the region.
As the deadline for the end of President’s Rule approaches, all eyes are now on the BJP’s final decision. The coming days are likely to shape the political future of Manipur and determine how quickly the state can move towards stability and democratic governance once again.
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