Biren Singh’s Resignation: What It Means for Manipur’s Future
N. Biren Singh resigned from the position of Chief Minister on Sunday, surprising everyone to end long-standing tension and criticisms about his administration. Biren Singh’s Resignation comes just before the upcoming state budget presentation in the Assembly, amid high speculation that a no-confidence motion from the opposition was forthcoming.
Manipur has been caught in a wave of ethnic violence that has largely been between two tribal entities: the Kuki-Zoo community and the Meiteis. In Biren Singh Resignation, however, Singh was far more attuned to internal political revolt rather than to the existing scenario that rode Manipur.
What Is The Cause of Ethnic Violence In Manipur?
Singh’s resignation has its roots in May 2023 when ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, creating a very tense and volatile situation, which continued for nearly a year.
The conflict has been mainly between the Mayday clan and Kuki tribal groups, causing casualties, injuries, and massive displacements through the days of ruthless violence.
Throughout these turbulent times, Singh’s leadership was heavily questioned on how he handled the crisis, with many accusing him of failing to enforce law and order in certain areas of the troubled zone.
Finally, Singh’s refusal to heed calls for his resignation, irrespective of mounting pressures, became a characteristic of the political landscape in this northeastern State. His position had started to shake evermore as the crisis rolled on, pitting him against his own party besides the State itself.
There Is A Growing Demand For N Biren Singh’s Resignation
Singh had been asked to resign on several prior occasions, generally around the time the violence broke out. One such memorable occasion was June 30, 2023, when the matter was pushed into the limelight with dramatic protest. Suddenly, a crowd in the demonstration, mostly comprising Meitei women, encircled his convoy on its way to Raj Bhavan.
At this point, an old woman snatched away the resignation letter, tore it along that demand, and threw its bits across the air. Despite being hauled through the mud by internal and external agents, people among them still stood by Singh. His power was assaulted, intensified, and reduced in 19 months of the storm, while Manipur was in one political cycle-period of death, and a period of reaction.
The BJP Is Experiencing Growing Dissent
As the situation became increasingly volatile, dissent within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grew louder and bolder.
In November 2024, a critical turnaround came when Singh lost the support of most BJP legislators, including those from a Meitei background, who intentionally abstained from his emergency meeting on the situation by tribal militants causing violence.
The National People’s Party (NPP) is an ally of the BJP, pulling its support at the height of the ethnic conflict over Singh’s management. Like before, if a change of leadership occurred, the party would reassess its position, he explained.
In the meantime, breaches within the BJP began to widen as well. The party’s camaraderie was being massively challenged with the situation fast becoming uncontrollable and public opinion blossoming against them.
With the appointment of A.K. Bhalla as the new Governor in December 2024, even louder were speculations on Singh’s possible resignation!
On Saturday, Singh made his second visit to Delhi in a week amid rumors doing the rounds.
The clamor about his resignation only got louder post a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J P Nadda on Sunday. So, later that day, the resignation was submitted and accepted by Governor Bhalla.
Singh, while appreciating the privilege of serving the people of Manipur, further acknowledged various interventions made by the Central government and their efforts at developmental works in the State.
What will happen next in Manipur?
The political future remains still uncertain with Singh’s resignation! The state led by BJP faces a challenging situation in getting through a period of transition.
The Centre, which appears open to explore options other than Singh, may permit yet another BJP member to claim the CM’s post.
The hope is that Singh’s departure presents a window of opportunity for the Kuki representatives to engage and address the underlying distrust that has fueled the current series of events if an appropriate political route is viable; otherwise, the President’s rule looms.
Manipur’s next leadership will be determined by how the saffron party keeps its united footing, and whether a new leader contributes toward reinstating ethnic peace within the riven society.
Biren Singh Political Career
Democratic Revolutionary Peoples Party (DRPP)
In 2002, he was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly from Heingang as a DRPP candidate.
Indian National Congress (INC)
He later joined the INC and was appointed Minister of State for Vigilance in 2003. He retained his seat in 2007 and served as Minister of Irrigation, Flood Control, and Youth Affairs & Sports. He won again in 2012. In 2016, he resigned from INC and the Assembly.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
He joined the BJP in October 2016, becoming its spokesperson. He won the 2017 Assembly election from Heingang and became the Chief Minister of Manipur.
Final thoughts
Manipur’s next leadership will be determined by how the saffron party keeps its united footing, and whether a new leader contributes toward reinstating ethnic peace within the riven society.
