Manipur Legislative Assembly Set to Reconvene After Extended Hiatus
In a significant development for the northeastern state, the Manipur Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene on Thursday afternoon, marking its first session in more than one-and-a-half years. This crucial parliamentary gathering comes just one day after President's Rule was officially revoked in Manipur, paving the way for the formation of a new elected government.
Governor Summons Seventh Session of State Assembly
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has formally summoned the seventh session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to meet at 4 pm on Thursday. According to official sources, the Business Advisory Committee will hold a preparatory meeting at 3 pm today to finalize the agenda and procedural matters for the upcoming session.
The last functioning session of the Manipur Assembly took place from July 31 to August 12, 2024, making Thursday's gathering particularly significant as it breaks an extended period of legislative inactivity in the state.
Background of Political Developments
The road to this assembly session has been marked by considerable political turbulence. On January 24, 2025, the Governor had initially summoned the Assembly to convene for its Budget session on February 10. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the summon order was revoked just one day before the scheduled start, on February 9.
This revocation was followed by the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh later that same day. Subsequently, on February 13, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur, bringing the state under direct central administration.
New Government Takes Office
The assembly session has been summoned precisely one day after President's Rule was lifted and Y. Khemchand Singh took oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur. The swearing-in ceremony, which included four other ministers, represents a critical step toward restoring democratic governance in the state.
Notably, two leaders were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers: Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki-Zo MLA, and Losii Dikho, a Naga MLA. Kipgen's oath-taking ceremony occurred virtually from New Delhi via video conference, as she did not travel to Imphal for the event. This virtual participation underscores the ongoing challenges in the state, suggesting that while a government has been formed, a comprehensive resolution to the underlying conflict remains elusive.
Coalition Composition and Support Structure
The newly formed government represents a coalition arrangement with ministers drawn from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, including the Naga People's Front and the National People's Party. Additionally, the government enjoys support from one Janata Dal-United MLA and two Independent MLAs, creating a broad-based alliance to govern the state.
This political configuration reflects the complex ethnic and regional dynamics of Manipur, where multiple communities and political interests must be balanced within the governance framework.
Significance of the Assembly Session
The convening of the Manipur Legislative Assembly after such an extended hiatus carries multiple implications:
- Restoration of democratic processes and legislative oversight in the state
- Opportunity for the new government to present its agenda and priorities
- Platform for addressing pressing issues facing Manipur's diverse population
- Symbolic step toward political normalization after a period of central rule
As Manipur prepares for this important legislative gathering, all eyes will be on how the newly formed government navigates the complex challenges facing the state while working to restore stability and governance continuity.
