Manipur has been placed under President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, which has left the state in a political vacuum. With no consensus on a successor even three days after Singh’s exit, the ongoing political uncertainty has deepened, further complicating efforts to address the state’s prolonged ethnic unrest.
Singh’s resignation came on the eve of a no-confidence motion and an anticipated floor test in the Assembly, effectively avoiding a political showdown. His decision to step down follows nearly two years of ethnic violence that began in May 2023, with sustained opposition demands for his removal.
As per Article 174(1) of the Constitution, state Assemblies must convene within six months of their last sitting. Manipur’s previous Assembly session was held on August 12, 2024, making Wednesday the deadline for the next session. However, Governor Ajay Bhalla canceled the Budget session scheduled for Monday, citing Singh’s resignation as the reason.
The Congress party has accused Singh’s resignation of being a move to protect the BJP rather than addressing the needs of Manipur’s people, who continue to suffer from ethnic violence. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi called Singh’s departure “long overdue,” while Lok Sabha Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized the BJP for lacking a clear plan to restore peace in the conflict-ridden state.
The political crisis intensified days after the Supreme Court sought a sealed-cover forensic report on leaked audio tapes allegedly implicating Singh in the ethnic clashes. The tapes reportedly contain conversations suggesting that Meitei groups were allowed to loot arms and ammunition from government facilities during the violence against the Kuki community.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pointed to the Supreme Court’s probe as a key factor behind Singh’s resignation. “The mounting public pressure, the Supreme Court’s investigation, and the no-confidence motion by Congress have compelled this reckoning,” Gandhi stated.
With Manipur now under President’s Rule, the focus shifts to resolving the political deadlock and addressing the state’s deep-rooted ethnic tensions. The absence of a clear roadmap for peace and governance has left the people of Manipur in a state of uncertainty, raising concerns about the region’s stability in the coming months.
