January 22, 2025: The Janata Dal (United), led by Nitish Kumar, has officially reiterated its decision to withdraw support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, reinforcing its earlier stance. JD(U)’s sole legislator in the state, Md Abdul Nasir, will continue to sit in the Opposition benches, ensuring the party’s clear distance from the ruling coalition.

In a letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Kshetrimayum Biren Singh, JD(U)’s Manipur unit chief, reiterated that the party had initially won six seats in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. However, following defections, five of its MLAs joined the BJP, strengthening the ruling party’s position in the state. The letter emphasized JD(U)'s alignment with the INDIA alliance, confirming the party’s decision to withdraw support to the BJP government.

Despite JD(U)’s exit from the ruling coalition, the BJP remains in a comfortable majority with 37 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. The party also enjoys the backing of five MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and three Independents, ensuring its stable position in power. As a result, JD(U)'s withdrawal, while politically significant, is unlikely to impact the stability of the government in Manipur.

This move follows a similar withdrawal of support by the National People’s Party (NPP) of Meghalaya in 2024, which also distanced itself from the Manipur government.

JD(U), which plays a crucial role as a key ally to the BJP at the Centre and in Bihar, is clearly asserting its opposition to the BJP in specific states. The move also highlights JD(U)'s commitment to its national alliance with the INDIA bloc, even as it maintains its support for the BJP-led government at the Centre.

JD(U) President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, known for his shifting political allegiances, had realigned with the NDA in 2024 after briefly joining the INDIA bloc. JD(U)'s support at the Centre remains essential for the BJP, especially following the 2024 general elections. However, the party’s stance in Manipur signals a more cautious approach to its alliance with the BJP at the state level.