Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has resigned amid mounting dissent within the BJP, with party MLAs demanding a leadership change. His resignation comes just a day before the crucial Assembly session, further deepening the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Singh stepped down immediately after returning to Imphal from Delhi, where he had held an urgent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP's Northeast coordinator, Sambit Patra, who accompanied him, has now rushed back to Imphal to contain the crisis and prevent any embarrassment for the party if a floor test is called.
This marks the first no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The unrest has laid bare serious internal divisions, with several BJP MLAs openly challenging Singh’s leadership and criticizing the Centre’s handling of the situation.
Growing Discontent Within BJP
Biren Singh, who has been the Chief Minister since 2017, faced opposition during his first term but managed to retain his position. He was re-elected in 2019, but dissatisfaction within the BJP grew stronger during his second term, particularly after the outbreak of ethnic violence last year.
The crisis escalated when ten Kuki MLAs demanded Singh’s removal, followed by multiple BJP legislators and alliance partners expressing the need for a leadership change. Several MLAs and ministers have openly criticized his handling of the law-and-order situation, blaming him for failing to restore peace in the violence-hit state.
Adding to the turmoil, the National People's Party (NPP) recently withdrew its support from Singh’s government, further weakening his hold on power. In the past few days, political maneuvering has intensified, with teams of MLAs and ministers traveling to Delhi for high-level discussions.
With Manipur in the grip of political and ethnic turmoil, all eyes are now on the BJP leadership and the next course of action in the state's unfolding crisis.
