JD(U) Withdraws Support From BJP-Led Manipur Government

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has officially withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, marking a political shift that signals growing discontent within the alliance. Despite this development, the move is unlikely to destabilize the BJP government, which holds an absolute majority in the state assembly.

The JD(U) had initially secured six seats in the Manipur Assembly. However, in September 2022, five of its MLAs defected to the BJP, leaving Mohammad Abdul Nasir, the MLA from Lilong constituency, as the party’s lone representative in the assembly.

Announcing the decision, JD(U)’s Manipur president, Kshetrimayum Biren Singh, issued an official letter declaring the party’s separation from the state government. The letter stated: “It is, hereby, further reiterated that Janata Dal (United), Manipur Unit does not support the BJP-led state government in Manipur, and our lone MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, shall be treated as an opposition MLA in the House.”

While this withdrawal alters the political alignment of the JD(U) in Manipur, the BJP’s stronghold in the assembly ensures the stability of its government remains intact.