Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post on Monday, following mounting pressure from within his own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and escalating public anger over the state’s prolonged ethnic conflict. Singh, who has been at the helm since 2017, submitted his resignation to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, marking a significant political shift in the northeastern state.
The resignation comes after Manipur Assembly Speaker Satyavrata Singh reportedly issued an ultimatum to Biren Singh, citing growing discontent even within the BJP ranks. Sources indicate that several party members had been pushing for Singh’s resignation, arguing that his leadership had failed to address the ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has claimed over 180 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
Frontrunners for the CM Post
With Singh’s exit, the BJP leadership is now considering potential candidates to take over as the next Chief Minister. Among the frontrunners are:
1. **Thongam Biswajit Singh**, a senior cabinet minister and prominent BJP leader in Manipur.
2. **Yumnam Khemchand Singh**, the state’s Panchayati Raj Minister, who is also seen as a strong contender.
3. **Sharda Devi**, the President of the Manipur BJP unit, whose name is also doing the rounds as a potential candidate.
The BJP central leadership is reportedly evaluating these names to ensure a smooth transition and to restore stability in the state.
Political Instability and Dissent Within BJP
The Congress party has seized the opportunity to demand a floor test, questioning the BJP’s ability to maintain its majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. While the BJP currently holds 37 seats, 17 of its MLAs had reportedly expressed dissent against Biren Singh’s government in recent months. This internal rift had left the party in a precarious position, delaying any decisive action until after the Delhi election results were announced.
Political analysts suggest that Biren Singh’s resignation was a calculated move by the BJP to prevent further damage to its image, both in Manipur and at the national level. "N. Biren Singh was a prominent face of the BJP in the Northeast. His resignation could have impacted the party’s prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if the situation in Manipur remained unresolved," said a senior political commentator.
Public Reaction and Way Forward
Civil society groups and opposition parties have welcomed Singh’s resignation but remain cautious about the future. "This is just the first step. The new leadership must prioritize peace, reconciliation, and justice for all communities affected by the violence," said a spokesperson for a local Meitei organization.
As Manipur awaits the appointment of its next Chief Minister, the focus remains on whether the BJP can navigate the state’s complex socio-political landscape and restore trust among its people.
