In a multi-ethnic society such as Manipur, equitable representation of major communities in constitutional institutions is essential for strengthening democratic participation, fostering mutual trust, and promoting a shared sense of belonging.
Share
Manipur attained full statehood in January 1972. Since then, the State’s lone seat in the Rajya Sabha has been represented by the following Members of Parliament:
1. Sinam Krishnamohan Singh (INC) – 1972
2. Salam Tombi Singh (Others) – 1972–1974
3. Irengbam Tompok Singh (INC) – 1974–1978
4. Ng. Tompok Singh (INC) – 1978–1984
5. Rajkumar Jaichandra Singh (INC) – 1984–1988
6. Rajkumar Dorendra Singh (INC) – 1988–1990
7. BD Behring (JD) – 1990 (elected but did not assume office)
8. W Kulabindu Singh (INC) – 1990–1996
9. W Angou Singh (INC) – 1996–2002
10. Rishang Keishing (INC) – 2002–2014 (two terms)
11. Haji Abdul Salam (INC) – 2014–2017
12. Bhabananda Singh (BJP) – 2017–2020
13. Leishemba Sanajaoba (BJP) – 2020–Present.
A review of the representation to Manipur’s sole Rajya Sabha seat over the past five decades reveals a clear imbalance. Of the thirteen individuals elected, eleven have belonged to the Meitei community, one to the Muslim community, and only two to the tribal communities. In effect, tribal representation has been limited to just twelve years, as BD Behring, though elected in 1990, did not assume office.
This pattern stands in contrast to the demographic composition of the State. According to the 1971 Census, the Meitei community constituted approximately 57 percent of the population, while the tribal communities accounted for about 31 percent. By the 2011 Census, the demographic gap had narrowed significantly, with the Meitei population at around 44 percent and the tribal population at approximately 41 percent.
The Rajya Sabha is intended not only to represent states in the Union Parliament but also to reflect the diversity and aspirations of the people within those states. In a multi-ethnic society such as Manipur, equitable representation of major communities in constitutional institutions is essential for strengthening democratic participation, fostering mutual trust, and promoting a shared sense of belonging.
Over the last fifty-four years of statehood, representatives from the Meitei community have occupied the Rajya Sabha seat for approximately forty-five years, while the tribal communities have been represented for only twelve years. Such a disparity warrants serious reflection. While no community can claim an exclusive right to representation, fairness and democratic inclusion require that all major sections of society receive a reasonable opportunity to participate in the state’s highest representative institutions.
With the tenure of the present Rajya Sabha member nearing completion, the forthcoming election presents a timely opportunity to address this long-standing imbalance. Electing a qualified and widely respected tribal leader to the Rajya Sabha would demonstrate a commitment to inclusiveness and reinforce the principle that every major community has a stake in the governance and future of Manipur.
At a time when Manipur faces unprecedented challenges to social harmony, political stability, and the integrity of the state, the election of a tribal representative would carry significance far beyond symbolic representation. It would serve as a gesture of confidence-building, strengthen the spirit of partnership among communities, and contribute to the broader objective of reconciliation and unity.
In this context, the nomination and election of a capable tribal leader, particularly from the tribal community, would be both timely and appropriate. Such a decision would not only help correct a historical imbalance in representation but also send a powerful message that the future of Manipur must be built on inclusion, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among all its peoples.
Ngaranmi Shimray