BJP and RSS Leaders Eye Manipur Amid Plans for Presidential Visit

Image Source: Internet

India's northeastern state of Manipur is set to welcome several high-profile visitors, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, and President Droupadi Murmu. The visits come as the state continues to recover from nearly two years of ethnic violence, which left at least 260 people dead and 50,000 displaced. According to sources, Nadda is expected to arrive in Imphal on November 21, while Bhagwat will visit the state for two days starting November 20. The reasons behind their visits remain unclear. The state has been under President's Rule since February 13, following the resignation of then-chief minister N Biren Singh. The Centre appointed former home secretary Ajay Bhalla as the governor in December 2024, about two months before President's Rule was imposed. Indian Army chief Upendra Dwivedi expressed optimism about the state's progress, citing the successful Shirui Lily festival and the Durand Cup, which were held after a long hiatus. He also mentioned the Prime Minister's visit in September, which he believes helped improve confidence and trust between communities. While the Rashtrapati Bhavan has yet to confirm the President's visit, sources within Manipur's security establishment suggest that preparations are underway for a possible visit next month. Security officials in Imphal and Churachandpur have been instructed to be prepared for December 8, 9, and 10. The visits from BJP and RSS leaders, as well as the potential presidential visit, have sparked interest in the state's politics, particularly with the formation of a new government still in the air. The six BJP MLAs who met with the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh last week are being considered as potential chief minister candidates.