a major political development in the northeastern state of Manipur, Janata Dal-United (JDU) officially withdrew its support from the BJP-led government on Wednesday.

Notably, JDU is part of the NDA alliance that rules at the Centre. The Manipur unit of JDU has announced that its lone MLA in the state assembly will sit in the Opposition benches.

In a letter to the Manipur Governor, Manipur JDU chief Kshetrimayum Biren Singh stated, "In the election to State Assembly of Manipur held in February/March, 2022, six candidates set up by Janata Dal(United) were returned. After a few months, five MLAs of Janata Dal(United) defected to BJP. Trial under Tenth Schedule of Constitution of India of the five MLAs is pending before the Speaker's Tribunal. After Janata Dal(United) became a part of INDIA bloc, support to the BJP-led government was withdrawn by Janata Dal(United) by informing the office of Hon'ble Governor, Leader of the House (Chief Minister) and Speaker."

"As such, seating arrangement of the lone MLA of Janata Dal(United) in Manipur, Md Abdul Nasir is made in the Opposition Bench in the last session of Assembly by the Speaker. It is, hereby, further reiterated that Janata Dal(United), Manipur Unit does not support the BJP-led state government in Manipur, and our lone MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir, shall be treated as an opposition MLA in the House," he said.

After JDU joined the INDIA bloc in August 2022, 5 of its total 6 MLAs deserted the party and joined BJP in September the same year. Before Lok Sabha elections in 2024, JDU returned to the NDA fold.

The Assembly Speaker is yet to decide on the disqualification of the rebel MLAs.

According to reports, the withdrawal of support would not affect the N Biren Singh-led BJP government in the state as the BJP enjoys a strong majority in the assembly. BJP has 37 MLAs in the state Assembly that has a total strength of 60 members. BJP also has support of Naga People's Front that has 5 MLAs. Three Independent MLAs have also extended their support to the BJP government.