N. Biren Singh Resigns As Chief Minister Amid Political and Ethnic Turmoil In Manipur

In a significant political development, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday evening. His resignation comes nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, leaving over 200 dead and more than 70,000 displaced. The ethnic clashes had left Manipur deeply divided, with lingering tensions between communities.

Biren Singh, in his resignation letter, expressed gratitude to the central government for its interventions and developmental initiatives in the state. He also emphasised the need to continue safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity, cracking down on illegal immigration, and combating drug and narco-terrorism.

Interestingly his resignation also comes amid internal dissidence within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur. His leadership had faced growing criticism from party colleagues, prompting concerns over the stability of his government. With the Congress party reportedly preparing to move a no-confidence motion, Biren Singh’s resignation is seen as an attempt to manage the ongoing political crisis and prevent further destabilisation of the BJP-led government, specially after their historic electoral victory in Delhi elections. While BJP has the numbers to claim majority even after the withdrawal of support from ally Conrad Sangma’s NPP, yet there was looming fear of at least 12 BJP MLAs who are not in favour of Singh’s leadership, disregard any party whip if there comes a moment of floor test. Biren Singh had rushed to New Delhi on Sunday morning and had two back to back meetings- first with BJP National President JP Nadda and then with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.


Adding to the political turmoil, the Supreme Court on Monday (February 3) sought the production of the report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory on the examination of certain audio tapes which allegedly recorded statements by Biren Singh allegedly suggesting his involvement in the State's ethnic violence. Purported audio tapes got leaked indicating endorsement and encouragement of violence against one particular community in Manipur. Non-profit private forensic laboratory Truth Labs has confirmed that 93 per cent of the audio tapes matched Singh's voice.

Sources indicate that the BJP central leadership had been deliberating on a leadership change to restore unity within the party and regain public confidence in the state. Speculation is rife over who will succeed Singh as the next Chief Minister, with several names under consideration. The resignation marks a critical juncture in Manipur’s political landscape, as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of ethnic violence and political instability.​