A crucial meeting of BJP MLAs was held on Tuesday at the party’s state office, Thambal Sanglen, in Imphal. The meeting, called by BJP State President Sarda Devi, was attended by 12 BJP MLAs, with several others absent. Alongside the MLAs, BJP office bearers also participated in the discussions.
The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing delimitation exercise in Manipur. MLA Y Khemchand Singh mentioned that the discussions centered on the impact and implications of the delimitation process.
MLA K Robindro Singh stated that the BJP MLAs are proposing to delay the delimitation exercise for the time being, citing the need for further deliberation. Senior MLA Govindas Konthoujam stressed the importance of implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before any delimitation process is carried out to ensure accurate demographic representation.
In response to public concerns, MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh reassured citizens that the delimitation exercise would not negatively affect Manipur and urged them not to panic.
However, when approached by journalists after the meeting, some MLAs chose not to respond to questions, leaving their stance on the matter unclear. This lack of response from certain MLAs added to the uncertainty surrounding the BJP’s position on the issue.
Meanwhile, other political parties, including the NPP, JD(U), CPI, and Aam Aadmi Party, have already called for a deferment of the delimitation process.
Pressure from civil society organizations, particularly COCOMI, has also been growing. COCOMI expressed concerns that the delimitation process, if conducted before the NRC is fully implemented, could result in a reduced number of Meitei MLAs in the state assembly due to the unaccounted presence of illegal immigrants.
With demands for delay intensifying, the future of the delimitation exercise in Manipur remains uncertain, with both political and civil society groups urging careful consideration.
