Governor of Manipur Declares Upcoming Assembly Session 'Void' Following Resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh
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Synopsis
Manipur's Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has declared the upcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly 'null and void' following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The decision, made shortly after Singh's resignation letter was submitted, halts the planned session meant to commence on February 10.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Bhalla cancels the Assembly session.
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigns ahead of the session.
- New Budget session to be called after a new government.
- Tribal organizations express support for Singh's resignation.
- Controversy over leaked audio complicates Singh's political standing.
Imphal, February 9 (NationPress) - The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Sunday, announced the cancellation of the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, initially set to commence on Monday. This decision followed shortly after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tendered his resignation letter to Bhalla just a day before the pivotal Assembly session.
A spokesperson from Raj Bhavan confirmed that the Governor accepted the resignation and requested Biren Singh to remain in his role as caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is established.
Assembly Secretary K. Meghajit Singh issued a statement on Sunday evening, declaring, "In accordance with the powers granted by Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, I, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, hereby announce that the prior orders dated January 24, 2025, to convene the Manipur Legislative Assembly session, which has yet to begin, are declared 'null and void' effective immediately."
The Budget session was slated to start on Monday (February 10) with the traditional address from the Governor, extending until February 24.
On February 14, Chief Minister Biren Singh, who also oversees the Finance department, was expected to present the Budget estimates for the fiscal year 2025-26.
According to a Raj Bhavan official, the Governor will call for a fresh Budget session following the formation of the new government.
Several tribal organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), representing Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, expressed their satisfaction over Biren Singh's resignation from the Chief Ministerial position.
ITLF spokesman Ginza Vualzong noted that Biren Singh may have resigned to avoid being ousted in the upcoming 'no confidence' vote in the Assembly, thereby preserving his reputation.
“Additionally, with the Supreme Court reviewing the leaked audio tape, it seems that even the BJP government may not be able to assist him this time. Regardless of whether Biren Singh remains Chief Minister or not, our demand for a separate administration (similar to a Union Territory with an Assembly) persists. We have experienced division from the Meitei community, and there is no turning back. Significant bloodshed has occurred, and only a political resolution can restore our rights,” Vualzong stated.
The former Chief Minister has been embroiled in controversy over a leaked audio recording allegedly involving him, in which he reportedly made inflammatory remarks regarding the ethnic conflict in the region.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a petition to investigate the leaked audio recording.
