JD-U Asserts Its Opposition Stance in Manipur
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Synopsis
The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) in Manipur has confirmed its position as an opposition party after withdrawing support from the BJP government in 2022. JD-U's single MLA, Mohammad Abdul Nasir, is now recognized as an opposition member. The party's President has raised concerns regarding defections and ethnic tensions affecting governance.
Key Takeaways
- JD-U asserts opposition role in Manipur.
- Party withdrawal from BJP government in 2022.
- Only one MLA remains after defections.
- Complaint filed against defected MLAs.
- Ethnic violence remains a significant issue.
Imphal, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Janata Dal-United (JD-U), which holds a single MLA seat in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, reiterated its commitment to acting as an opposition party in the state through a letter addressed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday, following its withdrawal of support from the BJP government in 2022.
In his correspondence with the Governor, JD-U state President Ksh Biren Singh emphasized that his party does not endorse the BJP-led state government in Manipur, requesting that their solitary MLA Mohammad Abdul Nasir be recognized as an opposition member in the Assembly.
During the last Assembly elections in Manipur in 2022, the JD-U secured six seats; however, five of its MLAs later defected to the BJP, reducing the party's representation in the Assembly to just one.
“We have lodged a complaint against the five MLAs who joined the BJP with the Assembly Speaker’s Tribunal, and proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of India regarding the five legislators are currently ongoing,” JD-U state President informed the Governor in his letter.
The JD-U's withdrawal of support did not significantly affect the government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as the BJP continues to command the support of 37 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, along with backing from five Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and three independents.
Under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the JD-U is part of the BJP-led NDA at the national level and in various other states.
In November of the previous year, the National People’s Party (NPP), which has seven MLAs, also withdrew its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, citing the government's inadequate response to the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.
The NPP is headed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. After the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, ten tribal MLAs, including seven from the BJP and two from the Kuki People's Alliance, have been boycotting Assembly sessions, demanding a separate administration or Union Territory for the tribals in the state.
Among the ten tribal MLAs, two serve as ministers—Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, the only female minister—who have refrained from attending the state capital due to security concerns, thus missing cabinet meetings.
Despite the ongoing situation, the ruling BJP and the Chief Minister have yet to take any action against the party’s seven tribal MLAs.
