Analysis of Electoral Phases in Manipur: Fragmentation, Coalition and Reconfigured Political Landscape (1948-2022)

The article traces the evolution of the party system in Manipur from the pre-integration and post-integration period to the contemporary era. It analyses the electoral outcomes from 1948 to 2022 to map the changing dynamics of power, the persistence of coalition politics, and the recent move towards a bipolar contest dominated by national parties in the state. From the first assembly polls in 1972 onwards—the article constructs a detailed narrative of political change, continuity, and fragmentation. The article also focuses on the state-based parties, like the Manipur People’s Party (MPP) serving as a quintessential example of the promises and perils of regional politics in the state. The electoral history of Manipur reveals a political landscape in constant evolution, yet underpinned by the structural need for coalitions. The journey from a multi-party fragmented system to Congress dominance, and now to BJP pre-eminence, reflects both local political dynamics and the broader integration of the region into national political currents. This recent phase underscores the successful expansion of the BJP's national project into the Northeast and the relative decline, though not elimination, of the Congress and older regional parties like the MPP. Understanding this evolution is crucial for comprehending the intersection of regional identity, national politics, and governance in India's periphery.