In a dramatic political development, N Biren Singh resigned from his post as Manipur's Chief Minister on Sunday, bringing an end to his tumultuous tenure marked by ethnic violence and internal strife within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His resignation followed a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underscoring the escalating tensions within the state and the party.

Resignation Submitted to Governor Amid Threat of No-Confidence Motion in Manipur Assembly

Singh officially tendered his resignation to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal around 5:30 PM, just a day before the state assembly was set to convene for its budget session—a session that was abruptly cancelled later in the evening. This move came amid growing dissent within the BJP's state unit and the looming threat of a no-confidence motion by opposition parties.

Singh Expresses Gratitude to Central Government While Stepping Down

In his resignation letter, Singh expressed his deep appreciation to the central government for its interventions and developmental projects aimed at safeguarding the interests of Manipur. “It has been an honor to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work, and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipur,” Singh wrote.

BJP Leadership Accompanies Singh to Raj Bhavan as Search for Successor Begins

Singh was accompanied by BJP’s northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, state president A Sharda, and 19 MLAs when he submitted his resignation. Patra is expected to stay in Imphal to assist in selecting Singh’s successor, a task made urgent by the political instability gripping the state.

Supreme Court Scrutiny Over Leaked Audio Tapes Adds to Singh's Troubles

Singh's resignation came just days after the Supreme Court directed a central forensic lab to analyze leaked audio tapes that allegedly feature Singh discussing his role in instigating ethnic violence in the state. This legal scrutiny added to the mounting pressure on the embattled Chief Minister.

Opposition Blames BJP for Delayed Action Amid Ethnic Violence

Opposition leaders criticized the BJP for what they called a “belated” decision to remove Singh. Congress’s Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accused Singh of “instigating division in Manipur” and blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing him to remain in office despite ongoing violence and loss of life.

Mixed Reactions from Meitei and Kuki Groups on Singh’s Resignation

Reactions to Singh's resignation were mixed among local groups. Meitei organizations like the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) criticized the timing, fearing it might embolden Kuki separatists. Conversely, Kuki groups such as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) welcomed the resignation, viewing it as long overdue and vowing to continue their agitation for a separate administration.

Singh's Political Journey from Footballer to Chief Minister Ends in Controversy

A former footballer for the Border Security Force (BSF) team, Singh's political career saw him rise from a Congress member to the BJP's Chief Minister in 2017. However, his tenure was marred by ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, leading to over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

Central Government Urged to Maintain Key Interventions Post-Resignation

In his resignation letter, Singh emphasized five critical areas for continued central government intervention: maintaining Manipur’s territorial integrity, cracking down on border infiltration, combating drug and narco-terrorism, enforcing biometric policies for migration, and expediting border security projects.

Political Fallout: Budget Session Cancelled and BJP Scrambles for New Leadership

Following Singh's resignation, the Manipur Raj Bhavan secretariat confirmed the cancellation of the budget session, leaving the BJP scrambling to stabilize its leadership in the state. Internal dissent within the party was evident, with several BJP MLAs threatening to oppose Singh in the assembly.

Supreme Court Case on Audio Tapes Could Further Impact Manipur’s Political Landscape

The Supreme Court case concerning the leaked audio tapes remains a significant factor in Manipur's political landscape. The apex court has demanded a forensic report within a month, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the state's governance.

Opposition Parties Call Singh's Tenure a "Failure on All Fronts"

Opposition parties, including the Congress, labeled Singh's administration a failure, citing anarchy and governance crises during his tenure. Congress’s Manipur unit president K Meghachandra Singh stated that Singh’s resignation, though delayed, was a necessary step toward restoring normalcy in the state.

Conclusion: Singh's Resignation Marks a Turning Point in Manipur's Political Crisis

N Biren Singh’s resignation marks a significant turning point in Manipur’s ongoing political and ethnic crisis. As the BJP searches for new leadership and the Supreme Court continues its investigation, the future of Manipur’s governance remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the state can move toward stability and reconciliation.