A major political shift may once again be on the horizon in Manipur politics. According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party may bring former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to Delhi through the Rajya Sabha. If the party gives its final approval to this move, Biren Singh could soon be seen playing a new role in national politics. Political circles are also abuzz with speculation that BJP may induct him into the Union government as a minister, sending a major political message to the Northeast.
N. Biren Singh first became the Chief Minister of Manipur on March 15, 2017. After leaving the Congress and joining the BJP, he helped the party establish strong power in the state for the first time. Under his leadership, BJP also won the 2022 Assembly elections, and he became Chief Minister for a second term. However, the Meitei-Kuki violence that erupted in May 2023 kept his government under constant pressure. The opposition continuously targeted him over the violence, displacement, and alleged administrative failures in the state.
After facing political pressure for nearly one and a half years, N. Biren Singh finally resigned from the post of Chief Minister on February 9, 2025, after which President’s Rule was imposed in the state.
BJP Looking for Bigger Northeast Representation in Delhi ?
Several months later, BJP appointed Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the new Chief Minister of Manipur. However, according to sources, the party did not want to completely sideline N. Biren Singh, and discussions are now underway about sending him to the Rajya Sabha.
Speculation about a Union Cabinet reshuffle in Delhi has also intensified in recent days. It is believed that BJP wants to give greater representation to Northeastern states at the Centre, keeping the 2027 and 2029 elections in mind. In such a scenario, Biren Singh’s experience and influence in the Northeast are being considered important for the party. Within BJP, it is also believed that he still holds considerable influence among the Meitei community.
Manipur has only one Rajya Sabha seat. At present, the seat is held by BJP’s Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, whose term ends on June 21, 2026. N. Biren Singh’s name is now reportedly the frontrunner for this seat. Since Rajya Sabha elections are decided by MLAs’ votes, BJP appears to be in a very strong position numerically.
BJP’s Strong Assembly Mathematics in Manipur
In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, BJP won 32 seats after the 2022 elections. Later, five JD(U) MLAs also joined BJP, further increasing the party’s effective strength. Apart from this, NPF and some Independent MLAs have also remained aligned with the NDA camp. This means BJP should not face much difficulty in ensuring victory for its preferred Rajya Sabha candidate.
The most crucial aspect of Manipur politics remains its ethnic balance. The Meitei community is dominant in the valley regions, while the Kuki and Naga communities are influential in the hill areas. Most BJP MLAs belong to the Meitei community. The party also had several MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community, although some of them openly expressed dissatisfaction after the violence. Through the NPF, BJP has also maintained influence in Naga-dominated areas.