Next month 23 new members are set to enter the Rajya Sabha, and former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh is among those under consideration. BJP sources indicated that the central leadership is examining his name as the candidate from Manipur.
Twenty-three seats will become vacant in June. Four each are from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and one each from Meghalaya, Manipur, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
A person close to Singh said the central leadership has not yet informed him directly. A Delhi-based BJP leader confirmed that the possibility is under discussion, though any final decision rests with senior party figures.
The move is viewed as an effort to accommodate the former chief minister and to keep two senior state leaders active in different spheres.
Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, after nearly two years of ethnic conflict, after which President’s Rule was imposed. A year later his rival Y Khemchand Singh was appointed chief minister.
Sources stated that Singh was assured at the time of his resignation and during the selection of Khemchand that the party would look after his future role. Union Home Minister Amit Shah continued to consult him on state matters even under President’s Rule and asked him to announce Khemchand’s appointment.
Singh was also invited to suggest two names for the chief minister’s post, although his nominees were not chosen. Several of his close associates were later included in the new cabinet.
The party is mindful of tensions between the two leaders. During 2024-25, when Singh faced internal dissent, Khemchand was among the most vocal critics and publicly urged him to step down.
On February 3, 2025, Khemchand warned the central leadership that the government could fall unless Singh was replaced. Singh resigned days later.
Khemchand’s elevation has left Singh’s position in the state uncertain. Although he retains support among some legislators and his aides hold posts, his influence may decline without an official position.
Reports from Manipur suggest that unless given a suitable role, Singh might form a new party before the next assembly elections, an outcome the BJP seeks to prevent.
