Nitish Kumar’s JDU Withdraws Support from BJP in Manipur
In an unexpected political twist, the Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar has decided to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. This move, although not affecting the government’s stability, sends a clear message due to JDU’s crucial alliance with BJP both at the Centre and in Bihar.
The JDU initially secured six seats in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections, but the political landscape shifted when five of its MLAs defected to the BJP shortly after the polls. This left JDU with just one MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, who will now sit on the Opposition benches. The BJP, with 37 MLAs, alongside support from the Naga People’s Front (5 MLAs) and three Independents, maintains a robust majority in the 60-seat Assembly.
Ksh Biren Singh, head of Manipur’s JDU unit, has officially communicated this withdrawal of support to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The letter detailed the defection of the five MLAs and the ongoing legal proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. It confirmed that since JDU joined the INDIA bloc, it no longer supports the BJP government in Manipur.
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This development is particularly noteworthy as it comes on the heels of another ally, the National People’s Party led by Conrad Sangma in Meghalaya, also pulling support from Biren Singh’s administration. This series of political realignments hints at potential shifts in regional and national political strategies, especially with elections on the horizon.
The move by JDU is seen as a strategic play to realign its political stance, especially after joining the opposition coalition. It underscores the dynamic nature of Indian politics where alliances can shift, impacting local and national political narratives.
This withdrawal, while not immediately destabilizing the Manipur government, could set the stage for more significant political maneuvers in the future. It’s a clear indication that even minor shifts in support can signal broader political intentions, especially in a state like Manipur, which has seen its share of political volatility.
