Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh
Credit: PTI File Photo
New Delhi: Embattled Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation comes at a time he is encircled in crisis with the Opposition planning a no-confidence motion, his own party MLAs rebelling and Supreme Court waiting for a report on forensic examination of an audio recording that purportedly has controversial remarks made by him.
His resignation also comes a month after former Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla was appointed Manipur Governor at a time the state was remaining in tension following ethnic violence that started on 3 May, 2023.
Earlier attempts to oust Singh had met with resistance, as he rallied supporters to convince the BJP leadership that his removal would have adverse impact.
In July 2023, Singh had almost resigned but as he stepped out of his official residence to meet the Governor, his supporters had stopped him, got hold of the letter and tore it. His opponents claim that Singh made his continuation a fait accompli with the BJP leadership despite party rebels lobbied in New Delhi.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Singh "instigated division" in Manipur for two years and Prime Minister Narendra Modi allowed him to continue "despite violence, loss of life, and the destruction of the idea of India" in the state.
"The resignation of CM Biren Singh shows that mounting public pressure, the SC investigation and the no-confidence motion by the Congress have forced a reckoning," he said while insisting that restoring peace and healing wounds of people is the "most urgent priority".
Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said Singh resigned "sensing the climate" after Congress was to move the no-confidence motion and people now "await a visit by our Frequent Flier PM", who has found "neither the time nor the inclination" to go to Manipur.
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal highlighted the "irrefutable audio clips exposing his role in inciting violence" and the no-confidence motion forcing him to resign.
Singh’s resignation comes at a time when the union government has its trusted personnel as Governor with experience in dealing with such situations as Governor in the state.
Bhalla’s role would be enhanced if the BJP-led union government decides to go in for President’s Rule and not choose a Chief Minister from among the party MLAs.
The outgoing Chief Minister is also under pressure over the Supreme Court’s action on the audio tape, which he has maintained was forged. In the purported tapes, Singh is claimed to have made remarks instigating and abetting ethnic violence during a closed door meeting.