New Delhi, February 9, 2025: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh submitted his resignation on Sunday, stepping down just days before the upcoming assembly session, where the Congress had planned to introduce a no-confidence motion against his government. His resignation marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, which has been grappling with prolonged ethnic violence and internal unrest.
Singh’s exit follows a closed-door meeting with BJP’s top leadership in Delhi, though he had initially claimed he was visiting the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. His departure comes amid rising tensions within the BJP-led alliance, as the party struggled to maintain its majority in the 60-member assembly.
The Congress swiftly reacted to Singh’s resignation, with General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stating that he stepped down to avoid an imminent defeat. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh further alleged that Biren Singh had threatened MLAs against supporting the no-confidence motion, warning them of public backlash.
Over the past year, key allies have withdrawn support from the BJP-led government, weakening its hold on power. The National People’s Party (NPP) pulled out in November 2024, followed by the Janata Dal (United) in January 2025, citing the government’s failure to restore stability. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) had also withdrawn its support in August 2023, further eroding the ruling coalition’s numbers.
Currently, the BJP holds 37 MLAs, along with the support of five Naga People’s Front members and one JD(U) MLA. The opposition, comprising Congress, NPP, Independents, and KPA, now poses a formidable challenge as the state prepares for a leadership transition. With Singh’s resignation, uncertainty looms over Manipur’s political future, as the BJP scrambles to find a successor to retain control of the government.
