Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh Resigns Ahead of Assembly Session
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Synopsis
On February 9, 2023, Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned a day before an important Assembly session. The Governor requested him to remain as caretaker CM. Singh expressed gratitude to the central government and highlighted key issues including territorial integrity, border security, and the fight against drugs.
Key Takeaways
- Manipur CM N. Biren Singh resigned before Assembly session.
- Governor A.K. Bhalla requested him to stay on as caretaker.
- Singh expressed gratitude to the central government.
- Highlighted issues like territorial integrity and drug fighting.
- His resignation surprised many in the political sphere.
Imphal, Feb 9 (NationPress) On the eve of an important Assembly meeting, Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, presenting his resignation to Governor A.K. Bhalla. Nonetheless, the Governor has asked Singh to remain in place as the caretaker chief minister.
In his correspondence to the Governor, Singh expressed his deep appreciation to the central government for their prompt actions, interventions, and developmental initiatives aimed at benefiting every Manipuri.
He further requested through the Governor's office that such efforts continue, highlighting crucial issues such as maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur, which boasts a rich and diverse cultural history spanning thousands of years, tackling border infiltration, and establishing policies for the removal of illegal immigrants, alongside the battle against drugs and narco-terrorism.
Singh also mentioned the implementation of a revised and stringent biometric mechanism for monitoring and the progress of a time-bound border initiative.
At the age of 64, Nongthombam Biren Singh became the 12th Chief Minister of Manipur on March 15, 2017, leading the BJP to its first victory in the state, and successfully retained his position in the 2022 Assembly elections.
However, his second term has been overshadowed by ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitis and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023.
A senior Raj Bhavan official mentioned that Singh, along with several ministers and other leaders, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to submit his resignation.
The Governor requested Singh to continue serving as caretaker Chief Minister.
A senior party leader indicated that the party's central leadership, in consultation with state leaders, would likely announce new leadership in the coming days.
Despite ongoing speculation about Singh possibly stepping down at the behest of central leaders, his resignation surprised many in both political and non-political circles.
During his meeting with the Governor, Singh was joined by BJP northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha member from Puri, Sambit Patra, state unit BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, various cabinet ministers, and party leaders.
