JD (U) sacks lone MLA for withdrawing support to BJP Government in Manipur
- In Reports
- 09:51 PM, Jan 22, 2025
- Myind Staff
The Janata Dal (United) has reaffirmed its support for the N Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur, dismissing recent claims of withdrawing support as "baseless." The party announced the removal of its Manipur unit president, Kshetrimayum Biren Singh, citing indiscipline after he issued a letter reiterating the alleged withdrawal of support without consulting the central leadership.
According to JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, the letter was misleading as it was issued unilaterally by the state unit without any prior communication with the central leadership. Prasad emphasised that the JD(U) remains aligned with the BJP at both the state and national levels. The party’s swift action against Kshetrimayum Biren Singh underscores its commitment to discipline and unity within its ranks, as well as its unwavering stance on its alliance with the BJP.
"The party has taken cognisance of this and the president of Manipur unit of the party has been relieved of his position. We have supported NDA and our support to the NDA government in Manipur will continue even in the future. Manipur unit did not have any communication with the central leadership, they were not taken into confidence. He (Manipur JDU chief) had written the letter on his own," Prasad said.
"Considering this an act of indiscipline, action has been taken against him and relieved of his position...We are with the NDA and the state unit will continue to serve the people of Manipur towards the development of the state," he added.
The controversy began when Kshetrimayum Biren Singh, the now-sacked Manipur unit president of the Janata Dal (United), wrote to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, claiming that the JD(U) was reiterating its withdrawal of support to the BJP government. He also stated that the party's lone MLA in Manipur, Md Abdul Nasir, would take his place on the Opposition benches.
The letter drew attention by referencing the defection of five of JD(U)'s six MLAs to the BJP following the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. It also alluded to the party’s previous alignment with the INDIA bloc, adding to the speculation surrounding the JD(U)’s position in the state.
Despite the confusion caused by the letter, the JD(U) has since clarified its stance, firmly stating its continued support for the BJP government in Manipur. This clarification holds particular significance given the JD(U)’s role as a key ally of the BJP at both the Centre and in Bihar. The episode has underscored the party's effort to maintain discipline and coherence within its ranks while reaffirming its political alliances.
Despite the recent controversy, the BJP maintains a comfortable majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly with 37 legislators, bolstered further by the support of five Naga People's Front MLAs and three Independents.
This incident comes in the wake of a similar development last year when the Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party withdrew support from the Manipur government. However, the JD(U)'s central leadership has firmly distanced itself from any such parallels, reiterating its unwavering alliance with the BJP in Manipur, Bihar, and at the Centre. The party’s clarification highlights its commitment to preserving political stability and discipline within its ranks while supporting its allies across all levels of governance.
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