Manipur Political Turmoil: CM Biren Singh Attends Maha Kumbh Amid Speculations of Leadership Change

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also departed for Bhubaneswar after meeting with a few legislators, including BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam.

Amid speculations of a possible leadership change in the state, and several BJP MLAs camping in New Delhi, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accompanied by ministers and MLAs, travelled to Prayagraj to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

On Wednesday, CM Biren Singh, along with NPP MLA Loken from Wangoi Assembly Constituency, left for Delhi, while JDU MLA Md. Nasir from Lilong Assembly Constituency departed for Kolkata. As per sources, around 25 MLAs are currently in the national capital, reportedly lobbying for a change in the state’s leadership and a restructuring of the cabinet.

Dismissing speculations, CM Biren Singh maintained that his flight to Delhi on Wednesday was solely to go to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. “Blessed to be in Prayagraj for the auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela, a divine gathering that comes once in 144 years. Tomorrow, at the holy Triveni Sangam, along with my esteemed cabinet colleagues and Hon’ble MLAs, I will be taking the sacred dip and praying for peace, harmony, and prosperity for the people of Manipur and the entire nation,” Biren Singh wrote on X on Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, CM Biren Singh, along with some of his Cabinet colleagues, took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam. Posting about the event on X, he shared, “It was a pleasure meeting Hon’ble MP and senior party leader Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad Ji at the Maha Kumbh 2025 before we took the holy dip at Triveni Sangam. Joined by my Hon’ble cabinet colleagues and MLAs, we stand together in prayer, seeking divine blessings for our people and the nation. May this sacred gathering strengthen our collective spirit and guide us toward a brighter future.”

While many BJP MLAs also stated that they were traveling to New Delhi to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, two legislators hinted that political discussions might take place during the visit.

Adding to the intrigue, a group of seven MLAs, including senior Minister Thongam Biswajit, Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Minister L. Susindro, MLA S. Kunjakeshor, MLA Kh. Ibomcha, MLA Premchandra, and MLA Karam Shyam, all from BJP, along with five civil officers, departed from Imphal on a late-night charter flight at 8:50 PM Wednesday night.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also departed for Bhubaneswar after meeting with a few legislators, including BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam on Wednesday. Interestingly, Chief Minister Biren Singh had reportedly sought an appointment to meet Amit Shah through BJP leader Sambit Patra. However, sources indicate that the Home Minister cancelled the meeting. As of now, no meeting has taken place between Amit Shah and CM Biren Singh, sources said.

Amid all these political developments, it is important to recall that since violence erupted in the state, 10 Kuki MLAs have been demanding a change in leadership. Adding to the leadership crisis, the National People’s Party (NPP), an alliance partner of the Biren Singh government, recently withdrew its support, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership.

Amid the unfolding political drama, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata recently stated that a reshuffle or even a change in the current state government could be imminent. With multiple political developments taking place, all eyes remain on New Delhi as the fate of Manipur’s leadership hangs in the balance.

Also Read: Y. Joykumar Singh Appointed Interim President of NPP Manipur

Also Watch:

COMMENTS