Manipur: BJP claims new government likely as Congress demands fresh polls in 2026

Imphal: As the New Year 2026 sets in, leaders of the BJP Manipur Pradesh and the Congress in the state expressed differing views on Wednesday, calling for a new political landscape amid the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which has been under suspended animation since February 13, 2025.

Leaders of the two political parties are seeking changes to the current political environment, including its structure, power dynamics, and policies, but for entirely different reasons, with distinct goals and approaches.

Speaking at an event in Imphal West district on Wednesday, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, the sitting BJP MLA of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from the Keirao Assembly constituency in Imphal East district, said that a new political scenario would emerge by January 2026.

He claimed that central leaders are reportedly projecting Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh as the next chief minister of Manipur.

Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei was speaking as the guest of honour at the function, while Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh attended as the chief guest.

On the other hand, Manipur Pradesh Congress President Keisham Meghachandra, ahead of New Year 2026, said that the only way to restore peace and normalcy in the ethnic conflict-affected state in 2026 is by dissolving the current assembly and holding fresh elections.

The Congress is demanding fresh elections even though the 60-member state assembly, which was due to continue until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9 amid ethnic violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 3, 2023.

At present, the state assembly has 59 members, with the BJP holding 37 seats and the Congress five seats after the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

Additionally, there are reports suggesting that a BJP-led popular government may be formed in the state by February 2026.