Ahead of PM Modi’s Manipur Visit, 43 BJP Leaders Resign En Masse in Phungyar Constituency

Imphal/Ukhrul: Just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Manipur on September 13, at least 43 members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Phungyar constituency of Ukhrul district tendered their resignations en masse, according to a report by PTI.

In a signed statement, the leaders expressed deep concern over the current state of the party in the region. They cited a “lack of consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for grassroots leadership” as the primary reasons for their collective decision.

“Our loyalty to the party and its ideology has always been unwavering. We reaffirm our commitment to work for the welfare of our community and the people of Manipur,” the statement read.

Those who resigned include key local leaders—such as the Phungyar Mandal president, heads of the Mahila Morcha, Yuva Morcha, and Kisan Morcha, along with multiple booth-level presidents from the constituency. The district is predominantly Naga-majority and holds political significance in the hill areas of the state.

The state BJP has not issued an official response to the mass resignation as of Thursday evening.

The development comes amid heightened political attention on the state, as PM Modi prepares to visit Manipur for the first time since ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. The violence claimed the lives of at least 260 people and displaced thousands, many of whom remain in relief camps across the state.

The Prime Minister has faced sustained criticism from the Opposition for staying silent and not visiting the state during the peak of the crisis. His upcoming visit is expected to include public rallies in Imphal and Churachandpur, and is seen as a politically sensitive move given the ongoing tensions.

Meanwhile, President’s Rule has been imposed in the state following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The Manipur Legislative Assembly remains under suspended animation, despite its tenure lasting until 2027.

The mass resignations in Phungyar could signal deeper unrest within the state BJP’s ranks—particularly in the hill districts—just as the Centre attempts to project a message of unity and normalcy through the Prime Minister’s visit.

Source: PTI