Amid growing speculation over the formation of a new government in Manipur, BJP MLAs from the Meitei and Kuki communities appeared together in public for the first time during a meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, lending political significance to the development.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising demands from a section of BJP MLAs and leaders for the party to stake claim to form the next government.

Speculation intensified after senior BJP leaders, including National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh and the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, visited Manipur last month and held a series of consultations with state leaders and MLAs.