JDU Withdraws Support from BJP in Manipur: Political Shift

In a significant political shift, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has officially withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. This decision was announced on January 22, 2025, and marks a notable change in the state's political landscape.

Details of the Withdrawal

The JD(U) made this announcement through a letter addressed to Manipur's Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The letter stated that the party's lone MLA in the state assembly, Md Abdul Nasir, will now be recognized as an opposition member. The JD(U) emphasized that it no longer supports the BJP-led government and that Nasir's seating arrangement reflects this new status in the assembly.The JD(U)'s withdrawal comes after a series of defections from its ranks. Initially, the party secured six seats in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections; however, five of its MLAs later defected to the BJP. The disqualification proceedings for these defections are still pending before the Speaker's Tribunal under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

.Political Context

This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing pressure on the BJP government in Manipur, which has faced scrutiny due to ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued the region since May 2023. Despite JD(U)'s withdrawal, the BJP maintains a strong majority in the 60-member assembly with 37 seats, supported by five MLAs from the Naga People's Front and three independents.The JD(U) had previously aligned itself with the opposition INDIA bloc but had returned to support the NDA coalition led by the BJP. This recent decision to withdraw support is seen as a reaffirmation of its position within the opposition.

Implications for Future Politics

While this withdrawal may not immediately threaten the stability of the Biren Singh government, it sends a clear message regarding JD(U)'s shifting alliances and positions within Indian politics. As both parties prepare for upcoming electoral battles, particularly in Bihar where assembly polls are due this year, this move could have implications for their respective strategies and voter bases moving forward.Overall, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) withdrawal from supporting the BJP-led government in Manipur reflects ongoing political realignments and sets the stage for potential future conflicts as parties navigate their positions within India's complex political landscape.

What are the main reasons behind JDU's decision to withdraw support?

The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has withdrawn its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur for several key reasons:

Shift to the INDIA Bloc: The JD(U) recently joined the opposition alliance known as the INDIA bloc, which opposes the BJP at both state and national levels. This alignment prompted the party to reassess its support for the BJP-led government in Manipur, leading to their official withdrawal of support.
Defections of MLAs: The JD(U) faced significant challenges after five out of its six MLAs defected to the BJP shortly after the 2022 Assembly elections. This defection weakened JD(U)'s position and prompted a reevaluation of its political strategy in the state. The ongoing judicial scrutiny regarding these defections under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution has also contributed to the party's decision.
Political Pressure and Ethnic Violence: The ruling government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been under pressure due to ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023. This instability has raised concerns among opposition parties, including JD(U), about the government's ability to maintain order and governance in the state.
Symbolic Message: Although JD(U)'s withdrawal does not pose an immediate threat to the BJP's majority in the assembly, it serves as a strong political statement. It reflects dissatisfaction with the current administration and signals potential shifts in alliances as political dynamics evolve ahead of upcoming elections.

Overall, these factors combined have led JD(U) to take a definitive stance against the BJP-led government in Manipur, marking a significant change in the state's political landscape.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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