The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) has withdrawn its support from the government of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. In a letter addressed to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, KPA President Tongmang Haokip stated that their continued support for the incumbent government was no longer fruitful.
The KPA’s withdrawal of support does not significantly impact the power dynamics of the state government as they were a minor ally. The BJP government led by Biren Singh still has 37 MLAs, backed by five MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), seven MLAs from the National People’s Party (NPP), and three independent legislators.
The opposition in Manipur consists of a total of eight MLAs, including five from the Congress, one from JD(U), and two from the KPA. After the previous state assembly elections, five JD(U) MLAs joined forces with the BJP.
Tensions have been simmering in Manipur for the past three months due to ethnic clashes between the Meities and Kukis, triggered by a court order to consider adding one of the communities to the list of Scheduled Tribes.
The withdrawal of support by the Kuki People’s Alliance adds another layer of complexity to Manipur’s political landscape. While it may not dramatically alter the power balance, it reflects the growing dissatisfaction within the KPA towards the current government. As the state continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and various political factions navigate their interests, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of Manipur’s governance.
