 clarifies continued support for NDA in Manipur after state chief’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the alliance....){kind=link}
JD(U) Flip-Flop on NDA Alliance in Manipur: State Chief Removed for Unilateral Decision
In a dramatic turn of events, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by Nitish Kumar, has reversed its decision to withdraw support from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Manipur.
Earlier on January 22, JD(U)’s Manipur unit president Kshetrimayum Biren Singh had announced the withdrawal of support from the Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led government.
#WATCH | Delhi: JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad says, "This is misleading and baseless. 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… https://t.co/PhAJwAp4xn pic.twitter.com/usvowgta3n
— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2025
However, within hours, the JD(U) central leadership denounced this move, deeming it unauthorized, and promptly removed Kshetrimayum Biren Singh from his position.
The Initial Announcement
The controversy began when Kshetrimayum Biren Singh sent a letter to the Manipur Governor, stating that JD(U) was officially withdrawing support from the BJP-led government in the state. He claimed that this decision was prompted by grievances against the BJP, including the defection of five of JD(U)’s six MLAs to the BJP after the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections.
The letter also highlighted the JD(U)’s recent alliance with the Opposition I.N.D.I bloc, citing this as a reason for parting ways with the NDA in Manipur. Kshetrimayum Biren Singh asserted that the party’s lone MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, should henceforth be considered an Opposition legislator in the state assembly.
JD(U) Central Leadership’s Swift Rebuttal
Hours after the letter went public, the JD(U) central leadership dismissed it as a unilateral decision taken without consulting the party’s top brass. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad issued a statement condemning the move as “misleading and baseless.”
He clarified, “The Manipur state president acted without any communication or approval from the central leadership. The JD(U) continues to support the NDA government in Manipur and will work towards the state’s development.”
Kshetrimayum Biren Singh was subsequently removed from his position for what the party termed as “indiscipline.”
The Numbers Game in Manipur
The BJP holds a strong majority in the 60-member Manipur assembly with 37 MLAs, backed by five MLAs from the National People’s Party (NPP) and three Independents. Even if the lone JD(U) MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, were to withdraw support, the BJP-led government would remain unaffected.
Notably, JD(U) had initially won six seats in the 2022 assembly elections. However, five of its MLAs defected to the BJP within months, further consolidating the ruling party’s strength.
A Blot on JD(U)’s Political Discipline
The incident highlights the growing fissures within JD(U), especially its regional units. The central leadership’s swift action to disown the state unit’s decision underscores Nitish Kumar’s intent to maintain NDA alliances that align with the party’s broader strategy.
Rajiv Ranjan Prasad’s statement also reiterated JD(U)’s commitment to the NDA government in Manipur, adding that the party remains focused on development and good governance in the state. “This was an act of indiscipline, and action has been taken. We will continue to work with the NDA for Manipur’s progress,” he stated.
Political Context and Implications
This episode comes at a crucial time as JD(U) continues to navigate a complex political landscape. While it remains an ally of BJP in Bihar, its flirtation with the INDIA bloc has raised eyebrows. The move by the Manipur unit could have strained ties with the NDA further, but the central leadership’s corrective measures indicate an intent to maintain stability in its alliances.
For BJP, the incident reinforces its stronghold in Manipur and highlights the internal rifts in its allies. With JD(U) reaffirming its support, the BJP-led government in Manipur remains unchallenged.
The swift removal of JD(U)’s Manipur president over the unauthorized withdrawal of support showcases Nitish Kumar’s focus on central control and alliance management. The BJP, meanwhile, continues to enjoy a comfortable majority in Manipur, with no immediate threats to its government.
This incident is a reminder of the challenges regional parties face in maintaining discipline across state units, especially in coalition politics. For now, the JDU central leadership’s decisive action has ensured that its alliance with the NDA remains intact, at least in Manipur.