Short Summary of the News
On July 6, 2025, A. Sharda Devi, BJP’s state president in Manipur, declined to comment on a boycott call by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the umbrella body of the Kuki-Zo community. KIM announced that all 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs—seven of whom are from BJP—will refuse to support the formation of any new government after President’s Rule is lifted. The demand follows prolonged ethnic unrest since May 2023 and pushes for separate administration or Union Territory status for Kuki-majority regions

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In Depth: Manipur’s Political Flashpoint – BJP Chief’s Silence Amid Kuki-Zo Boycott

1. What’s Going On?

Imagine a political chessboard where key pieces start refusing to play—that’s exactly what’s happening in Manipur. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), a leading body representing the Kuki-Zo community, has declared that none of its 10 MLAs, including seven from the BJP, will participate in forming a new government when President’s Rule ends .

Cue BJP state chief A. Sharda Devi, present at a Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee anniversary event, being asked about it—and going silent. No denials, no support, just silence

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2. Historical Hotbed: Ethnic Tensions in Manipur

Let’s rewind. On May 3, 2023, ethnic clashes flared between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence displaced over 60,000 people and caused more than 250 fatalities .

In response, the Kuki-Zo have pressed for an administrative carve-out, seeking something akin to Union Territory status. Many of their MLAs, particularly within BJP, are walking that talk .

President’s Rule has been in effect since Feb 13, 2025, after CM N. Biren Singh resigned on Feb 9, 2025 . Now, with that interregnum possibly ending soon, KIM is drawing a line: “No support unless our grievances are addressed.”

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3. Why is BJP Chief Silent?

Silence, they say, speaks volumes. Here are some possible reasons:

• Internal Dilemma
  Seven of the 10 Kuki MLAs are BJP members. Publicly opposing their boycott may alienate a significant bloc, risking more instability.
• Central vs State Messaging
  BJP MLA Dipu Gangmei emphasized: “In a parliamentary democracy, decisions rest with party leadership. We are just karyakartas.” Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba deferred to the central leadership
• Strategic Pause
  Commenting prematurely might antagonize Kuki leaders or spark backlash. Staying silent can be smarter than saying the wrong words.

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FAQs

1. Why are Kuki-Zo MLAs boycotting the government?
They aim to highlight grievances rooted in ethnic violence and lack of official safeguards for their land, culture, and autonomy.

2. How many Kuki-Zo MLAs are in BJP and why does that matter?
Seven of the 10 are BJP-affiliated—so their boycott significantly affects BJP’s ability to form a stable government.

3. What is President’s Rule and why is Manipur under it?
President’s Rule involves federal administration when state government collapses or breaks down. Manipur entered it on Feb 13, 2025, after CM Biren Singh resigned.

4. Could this boycott prolong President’s Rule?
Yes—without KIM’s support, no party can easily form the government, potentially extending central rule until an agreement is reached.

5. What could break the deadlock?
Meaningful dialogue, autonomous arrangements, and assurances on indigenous rights may pave the way toward resumption of state governance.

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