The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to elect a new president for its Manipur Pradesh unit soon, following the installation of a popular government in the state under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the recent election of Nitin Nabin as the BJP’s national president, party sources said.

According to sources, the process of appointing a new state unit chief had been delayed due to the prolonged violent crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023. The BJP’s central leadership was reportedly waiting for the restoration of relative peace and the formation of an elected government before initiating any organisational reshuffle in the state.

With the popular government now in place, deliberations on replacing incumbent BJP Manipur Pradesh president Adhikarimayum Sharda have gained momentum. Sharda has been serving as the party’s state president since June 26, 2021.

Although no official announcement has been made so far, sources indicated that the BJP central leadership is keen on selecting a capable and consensus-driven leader who can strengthen the party organisation and lead it effectively into the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections.
Speculation is rife within party circles over possible contenders.

Among unelected leaders, BJP general secretary L. Deven Singh and former general secretary Samurailatpam Premananda Sharma are being discussed, given their long-standing association with the party. From among elected representatives, the names of MLAs Sapam Ranjan Singh and Th. Basantakumar are also doing the rounds.

The anticipated leadership change comes amid heightened political activity in the state. Notably, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) recently appointed former chief minister and current Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi Singh as the president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, adding to the evolving political dynamics in Manipur.