Manipur CM N Biren Singh Resigns Amid BJP MLAs’ Revolt

N Biren Singh stepped down immediately after landing in Imphal from Delhi

By Lipika Roy and Moirangthem Nganbarel Meetei

In a major political development in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has resigned today following mounting pressure from discontented BJP MLAs who have been demanding a change in leadership.

His resignation comes just days ahead of the crucial Assembly session beginning tomorrow, deepening the ongoing political crisis in the state.

N Biren Singh stepped down immediately after landing in Imphal from Delhi, where he had held an urgent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He was accompanied by BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, who has now rushed back to Imphal to manage the crisis and prevent any embarrassment for the party if a floor test is called.

In his resignation letter, Singh thanked the Centre for its interventions in safeguarding Manipur’s interests and urged continued support for the state.

This marks the first no-confidence motion against the BJP government since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

The turmoil has exposed deep rifts within the BJP, with multiple MLAs openly challenging N Biren Singh’s leadership and the Centre’s handling of the Manipur crisis.

Biren Singh has been the Chief Minister of Manipur since 2017. During his first term, many MLAs were unhappy with his leadership and attempted to change his position, but he retained his role and was sworn in for a second term in 2022.

However, during his second term, dissatisfaction among many BJP MLAs grew stronger. Following the violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, opposition to his leadership intensified, with ten Kuki MLAs demanding his removal as Chief Minister. In subsequent days, numerous MLAs from the BJP and its alliance partners expressed their desire for a leadership change.

Many of these MLAs and even some ministers have criticised his handling of the current law and order situation in the state. Recently, the National People’s Party (NPP) also withdrew its support for Biren Singh’s government. In the past few days, several political developments have occurred, with teams of MLAs and ministers flying to New Delhi for discussions.

Also Read: If No President’s Rule, Who Will Be Manipur’s Next CM?

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