The Janata Dal (United) has reiterated its support for the BJP-led government in Manipur, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, dismissing reports of withdrawing support as "false and baseless." The party has also removed its Manipur unit president, Kshetrimayum Biren Singh, citing indiscipline after he wrote to the Governor without consulting the central leadership.
According to JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, the Manipur unit acted independently, misleading the public with claims of withdrawing support. "The party's central leadership was not informed or consulted regarding this letter. As a result, the Manipur unit president has been relieved of his position for his actions," said Prasad. He emphasized that JD(U) remains committed to supporting the BJP in Manipur and at the national level as part of the NDA alliance.
The controversy began when Kshetrimayum Biren Singh sent a letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, claiming that JD(U) was reaffirming its withdrawal of support to the BJP government. The letter also stated that the party's lone MLA, Md Abdul Nasir, would join the Opposition benches. The letter referenced the defection of five JD(U) MLAs to the BJP following the 2022 Assembly elections and linked the decision to the party’s alignment with the INDIA bloc.
Despite the confusion, JD(U) has clarified its position, distancing itself from any comparison to past political developments in the state, such as the National People's Party’s withdrawal of support to the Manipur government last year.
The BJP remains firmly in control of the 60-member Manipur Assembly, holding 37 seats with additional backing from five Naga People's Front MLAs and three Independents. JD(U)’s central leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance, emphasizing its focus on Manipur’s development alongside the BJP.