In a significant political move, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) has withdrawn its support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur. The party’s lone MLA in the state will now sit on the Opposition benches. While this decision does not threaten the stability of the BJP government, it sends a strong political message, given the JDU’s alliance with the BJP at the Centre and in Bihar.

This development follows the decision by the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party, which governs Meghalaya, to also withdraw support from the Manipur government several months ago.

In the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections, the JDU secured six seats. However, five of its MLAs defected to the BJP soon after the polls, bolstering the ruling party’s strength. The BJP currently holds 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly and enjoys additional support from five Naga People’s Front MLAs and three Independents, ensuring a comfortable majority.

Ksh Biren Singh, the chief of Manipur’s JDU unit, has officially communicated the decision to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, marking a new chapter in the state’s political dynamics.