Nitish Kumar's JD(U) Withdraws Support from BJP N Biren Singh Govt. in Manipur
In a significant political development, the Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has officially withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, triggering shifts in the state’s political landscape. This decision comes after JD(U)'s lone representative in the Manipur Legislative Assembly moved to the opposition, signaling a growing divergence between the two parties. While the decision has garnered attention, the BJP government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appears to remain largely unaffected by the JD(U)'s exit.
INDIA
Nitish Kumar's JD(U) Withdraws Support from BJP-Led Manipur Government: Implications and Analysis
In a significant political development, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has officially withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, triggering shifts in the state’s political landscape. This decision comes after JD(U)'s lone representative in the Manipur Legislative Assembly moved to the opposition, signaling a growing divergence between the two parties. While the decision has garnered attention, the BJP government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appears to remain largely unaffected by the JD(U)'s exit.
JD(U)’s Withdrawal: A Strategic Recalibration
The JD(U) had been part of the BJP-led alliance since 2022, when five of its six members defected to the BJP, bolstering Singh’s position. However, the party’s latest decision to withdraw support suggests a shift in its approach toward state-level politics. This break is part of a broader trend where regional parties are increasingly recalibrating their positions in response to evolving political dynamics both in Manipur and across India.
While the JD(U) has not provided specific reasons for its withdrawal, many analysts point to the party's efforts to distance itself from the BJP on various fronts, including national-level politics. JD(U leader Nitish Kumar, once a strong ally of the BJP, has increasingly pursued an independent path in Bihar, focusing on regional coalition-building. This national strategy appears to be influencing decisions in other states, including Manipur, as Kumar seeks to assert JD(U)'s influence in the opposition space.
BJP's Position in Manipur: Stability Despite the Shift
Despite JD(U)’s exit, the BJP's grip on power in Manipur remains unshaken. The BJP continues to hold a commanding position in the 60-seat assembly, with 47 BJP MLAs providing a stable majority for CM Biren Singh. The withdrawal of JD(U) has no immediate impact on the BJP’s control over the state government, which continues to operate smoothly without any significant legislative disruptions.
The BJP’s stability in Manipur can be attributed to its continued strong support base, especially among the Meitei community and other key ethnic groups. Biren Singh’s leadership, which has been lauded for managing the state’s delicate ethnic balance, remains a key factor in ensuring the government’s resilience despite shifting political alliance.