GUWAHATI, Feb 9: In a dramatic political development, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, just a day before the Opposition Congress was set to move a no-confidence motion against his government in the state assembly.
Singh submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, stating, “I, Nongthombam Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, am submitting my resignation herewith. It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far.”
His resignation coincides with the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of leaked audio tapes allegedly linking him to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The violence, which began last May, has claimed over 200 lives. The Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust alleges that the tapes implicate Singh, though the state government has dismissed them as fake. The Supreme Court has sought a forensic report on the tapes and scheduled the next hearing for March 24.
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude to the Central government and highlighted key priorities, including safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity, combating illegal immigration, and continuing the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism.
“I request the Central government to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity, crack down on border infiltration, deport illegal immigrants, and continue efforts against narco-terrorism,” he wrote.
The Congress, holding five seats in the 60-member Assembly, remains poised to move the no-confidence motion on Monday. State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra hinted at the impending challenge, stating on X, “Brahmastra Missile will surely hit one of the Double Engine! Congress party set to move No Confidence Motion anytime soon.”
Despite Singh’s resignation, the BJP still commands a majority with 32 MLAs, supported by five Naga People’s Front members and six JD(U) legislators. Political observers are closely watching how Singh’s exit and the Supreme Court investigation will reshape the state’s political dynamics.
