Nitish Kumar’s JDU Withdraws Support from BJP-Led Manipur Government

JDU’s Lone MLA to Sit in Opposition as Party Sends Strong Message Amid Political Realignment.

January 22, 2025: Imphal:
In a surprising political twist, the Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has withdrawn support from the BJP-led government in Manipur. The decision, confirmed by a letter from the party’s state unit head Ksh Biren Singh to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, positions JDU’s lone MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, in the Opposition benches.

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While this move does not threaten the stability of the N Biren Singh-led government, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the 60-member Assembly, it sends a significant message. The JDU remains a crucial ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Bihar, making this decision particularly notable.

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This development follows the withdrawal of support by the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) from the Manipur government a few months earlier.

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The Background

The JDU had initially won six seats in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. However, within months, five MLAs defected to the BJP, leaving Md. Abdul Nasir as the party’s sole representative. The defections are still under review in the Speaker’s Tribunal under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

Ksh Biren Singh, in his letter to the Governor, reiterated the party’s stance, stating, “After Janata Dal (United) became a part of the INDIA bloc, support to the BJP-led government was withdrawn. Our lone MLA shall now be treated as an Opposition MLA.”

The letter also highlighted the ongoing legal battle concerning the defection of the five MLAs and emphasized the party’s position against the ruling government in Manipur.

Broader Implications

JDU’s withdrawal of support in Manipur aligns with Nitish Kumar’s increasingly fluid political positioning. Known for his ability to navigate alliances across political divides, Nitish Kumar recently played a pivotal role in forming the INDIA Opposition bloc before returning to the NDA fold.

Despite this maneuver, the BJP remains strong in Manipur with 37 legislators, supported by five Naga People’s Front MLAs and three Independents. The ruling coalition’s numbers are unlikely to be affected by the JDU’s exit.

JDU’s Role in Bihar and National Politics

In Bihar, JDU’s alliance with BJP remains intact, where Assembly polls are set to take place this year. Nitish Kumar’s party, with 12 seats in the general election, played a critical role in helping the BJP secure its majority after a reduced seat tally. However, the party’s actions in Manipur suggest a willingness to assert its political independence in regional contexts.

The move further reflects the evolving political dynamics as the INDIA bloc and BJP-led NDA prepare for the upcoming electoral battles at both state and national levels.

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This reshuffle of alliances and political strategies continues to shape the political narrative in Manipur and beyond, with potential ripple effects on future collaborations in the country’s broader political landscape.

Tags:

Nitish Kumar, JDU, BJP, Manipur Politics, Opposition Politics, INDIA Bloc, N Biren Singh, Political Alliances