The drama in Imphal went several notches higher on Sunday, and it has come to light that 18 of the Congress’ 28 MLAs will go with the BJP. Earlier in the evening, Ram Madhav claimed in a press conference that the party will have support from smaller parties to form the next government in Manipur. According to sources, BJP MLA Nongthombam Biren Singh is the frontrunner to become the next Chief Minister of Manipur

An insider claimed that a Congress MLA Shyam Kumar went with BJP leaders to meet governor Najma Heptullah. The BJP has won an impressive 21 out of the 60 seats and also has the support of regional parties like NPP, NPF and LJP. The lone independent MLA Asad Ullah from Jiribum, is also supporting the BJP. If 18 Congress MLAs actually defect to BJP, the party will end up with 49 MLAs, more than the required 31 to form the government.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that Ashab Uddin had been abducted by the BJP.

In a tightly-fought electoral battle, the BJP won 21 seats, while the Congress retained 28 seats of the total 60 Assembly seats. The deciders in this case were the regional parties.

JUST IN: 18 Congress MLAs might switch support to BJP Manipur @dna #Elections2017 #ManipurElection2017 — amrita madhukalya (@visually_kei) March 12, 2017

That left the mandate in the hands of the two regional parties — the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF).

Earlier, flanked by NPP and LJP leaders and their winning candidates, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav told a press conference, "We have been able to come to an understanding with the NPP and the Lok Janshakti Party in our bid to form the government in Manipur." Madhav said that as per an "understanding" with another NDA partner Naga People's Front, which has won four seats, the number would go up to 30 and the support of one more MLA would be "secured".

BJP now misusing CISF & Airport authorities to detain & abduct Independent MLA, Asabuddin at Imphal, Airport and take him to Calcutta. 1/n — Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) March 12, 2017

He said that on Saturday the NPF had issued a press statement wherein it said it was willing to form a non-Congress government in Manipur. The NPP's Conrad Sangma said that the popular verdict was for a change in Manipur. Asked who would be the chief minister in the event of the BJP forming a coalition government, Madhav said that the party leadership would decide soon.

With inputs from agencies.