The political turmoil in Manipur continues as the National People's Party, the second-largest ally of the ruling BJP-led NDA state government, withdraws its support citing failure to restore normalcy. While the BJP still holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly, this pullout represents a setback for the administration and signals further erosion of support. Amidst this, the Opposition Congress has also ramped up pressure on the government, with some even offering to resign from their MLA positions for a new mandate. All eyes are now on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has cancelled political programmes in Maharashtra to monitor the security situation in Manipur and has instructed for steps to restore peace.
Political Upheaval in Manipur: NPP Pulls Support, Congress Mounts Pressure
Background
Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, has been embroiled in political turmoil for several years. The current crisis stems from a long-standing ethnic conflict between the majority Meitei community and the Naga insurgent groups. The conflict has led to violence and political instability, including the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the region.
Current Crisis
The National People's Party (NPP), the second-largest ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Manipur, recently withdrew its support. The NPP cited the government's failure to restore normalcy in the state.
This pullout has raised concerns about the government's stability, as the BJP now holds a slender majority in the Assembly. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, have seized the opportunity to criticize the government and demand its resignation.
Opposition Pressure
The Congress has ramped up its pressure on the government, with some MLAs even offering to resign to force a new mandate. The party has accused the government of mishandling the ethnic conflict and failing to ensure the well-being of the people.
Intervention of Union Home Minister
Amidst the growing crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has cancelled political programs in Maharashtra to monitor the security situation in Manipur. He has instructed authorities to take steps to restore peace and order.
FAQs
1. What is the root cause of the political turmoil in Manipur?
The root cause is the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Naga communities, which has led to violence and political instability.
2. What prompted the NPP to withdraw its support?
The NPP withdrew its support due to the government's failure to restore normalcy and address the demands of the Naga insurgent groups.
3. What is the impact of the NPP's pullout?
The NPP's pullout has weakened the government's majority in the Assembly and increased pressure from the Opposition.
4. What is the Congress party's role in the crisis?
The Congress has been critical of the government's handling of the crisis and has offered to resign from its MLA positions to force a new mandate.
5. What is the role of the Union Home Minister in the situation?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has cancelled political programs to monitor the security situation in Manipur and has instructed authorities to restore peace.
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