BJP’s High-Stakes Strategy in Manipur: The Thambal Sanglen Power Play
Summary of the News
BJP MLAs from Manipur held a high-level meeting at their state headquarters in Thambal Sanglen, Imphal, on June 29, 2025, to strategize the formation of a new government amid ongoing crisis and suspended assembly. Chaired by BJP state president A. Sharda Devi and attended by senior leaders including former CM N. Biren Singh, the session emphasized efforts to restore peace, dialogue with civil society, and coordinate with central leadership to install a “popular government” after months under President’s Rule
Introduction – Why Does This Matter?
Have you ever wondered how political chess is played in troubled regions? In Manipur—where ethnic conflict has jolted governance—the BJP’s June 29 meet at Thambal Sanglen is more than just talk. It’s a decisive move to rebuild a government, instill peace, and respond to citizens’ yearnings. Think of it as a strategic pit stop on a race to stability—and the lap ahead matters greatly.
1. Why the Thambal Sanglen Meeting Was Pivotal
a) State of Political Limbo
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after CM N. Biren Singh resigned amid communal clashes . The assembly is suspended, leaving everyday governance in a fog.
b) Central Focus on Peace
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and central BJP have prioritized restoring calm before government formation. As BJP MLA K. Ibomcha explained, “Centre… trying hard to create a conducive atmosphere” through talks with civil society and community leaders
c) Timing of the Thambal Sanglen Huddle
Held at the BJP state office and presided by A. Sharda Devi, the meeting solidified collaborative strategy: political planning, civil engagement, and alignment with Delhi’s roadmap to reestablish an elected government
2. Who Attended and What Was the Agenda?
Key Participants
- A. Sharda Devi (State BJP President)
- N. Biren Singh (Former CM, senior BJP leader)
- Yumnam Khemchand and K. Ibomcha (MLAs)
- Other core BJP legislators
Governor Engagement
Earlier in May, 10 to 23 MLAs held meetings with the Governor advocating for handing over the mandate to a state government
Timeline
- May: NDA MLAs signal readiness (44 MLAs) to form a government
- February–June: President’s Rule in effect, violence abates
- Late June: Summit at Thambal Sanglen reconfirms push for elections once peace is deemed sustainable
Final Word: The Stakes Are High – And So Is Hope
This Thambal Sanglen meet wasn’t just another party session. It was the pivot point between stagnation and regeneration. If dialogue, peacebuilding, and elections align, Manipur can reclaim its democratic voice. But only if ground-level calm holds. Otherwise, it risks another standstill—this time far more dangerous.
FAQs
1. What triggered President’s Rule in Manipur?
Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities starting May 2023 led CM N. Biren Singh to resign, prompting President’s Rule on February 13, 2025
2. Who attended the Thambal Sanglen meeting?
Participants included BJP state president A. Sharda Devi, ex-CM Biren Singh, MLAs like K. Ibomcha and Y. Khemchand, and other senior state-level party leaders
3. What’s meant by “popular government”?
A democratic, elected government backed by majority support across ethnic, social, and political groups—seen as legitimate and representative.
4. Are elections expected soon?
While no deadline is set, BJP and partners aim to create a “conducive atmosphere” and restore government quickly—pending sustained peace
5. How would this affect Manipur’s peace process?
A legitimate government with broad-based support would accelerate reconciliation, restore state functions, and anchor peacebuilding at grassroots levels.
