Amit Shah Holds Talks with Former Manipur CM N. Biren Singh Amid Efforts to Form New Government

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has held discussions with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the BJP leadership explores possibilities for restoring an elected government in Manipur, which was placed under President's Rule in February 2025 following prolonged ethnic violence and political instability.

According to reports published on January 18, 2026, Shah met Biren Singh at his residence in New Delhi during a late-night meeting that lasted approximately an hour. The discussions reportedly focused on creating a conducive political environment for government formation and addressing the challenges facing the northeastern state.

BJP Leadership Explores Government Formation

The meeting came amid growing political activity within the BJP and the NDA over the possibility of restoring an elected government in Manipur.

Biren Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister in February 2025, was among the senior state leaders involved in consultations with the party's central leadership. The BJP was reportedly examining the political position of its legislators and the participation of different communities in any proposed government.

However, no official timeline or final decision regarding the appointment of a new Chief Minister was announced following the meeting.

President's Rule and Political Challenges

President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after Biren Singh resigned amid continuing ethnic violence and political uncertainty.

The conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023, has resulted in more than 260 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people.

Restoring an elected government remains politically challenging, particularly because of disagreements over representation, security and the political demands of different communities.

Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have expressed reservations about participating in a government without addressing their community's political demands, including the demand for a separate administrative arrangement.

Ethnic Tensions and Security Concerns

Despite the deployment of central security forces and government initiatives, tensions have continued in different parts of Manipur. The state remains divided by significant ethnic and geographical concerns, with displaced families continuing to face difficulties returning to their homes.

The central government has held consultations with political representatives and civil society organisations to understand the concerns of different communities and explore possible ways forward.

NIA Investigations Into Manipur Violence

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also been investigating several cases connected to the ethnic violence, including allegations involving killings, attacks and other serious security-related incidents.

The investigations have remained an important part of the broader security situation in the state. Questions surrounding the handling of certain NIA investigations involving the former state administration have also featured in earlier media reports, although some allegations have been disputed.

Road Ahead for Manipur

The discussions between Amit Shah and N. Biren Singh highlight the BJP leadership's efforts to address the political uncertainty in Manipur and explore the restoration of an elected government.

However, any political arrangement will need to address the concerns of different communities, restore public confidence and create conditions for lasting peace.

The challenge for the Centre and state political leadership will be to combine political dialogue, security measures and reconciliation efforts while working towards stability and normalcy in Manipur.