India, July 19 -- The Manipur Democratic Alliance (MDA), a coalition of 10 political parties aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, has expressed confidence that a new "popular government" will be formed in Manipur by the first week of August, dismissing speculation about an extension of President's Rule in the strife-torn state as "bogus."

Speaking to the media at the MDA office in Imphal on Saturday, MDA convenor M. Tombi said, "There is no question of extending President's Rule or dissolving the existing government. Most central leaders, including those from the NDA, Shiv Sena, and a Union minister, have assured me that a popular government is expected to take shape in early August."

The MDA claimed that t...