- By Imran Zafar
- Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, leaving the BJP with the crucial task of selecting his replacement. Singh, accompanied by BJP MP Sambit Patra, state ministers and MLAs, visited the Raj Bhavan on Monday to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The BJP's central leadership is yet to finalize a successor, raising the possibility of alternative political arrangements like the President's Rule.
According to a statement from Raj Bhavan, Governor Bhalla has asked Singh to remain in office until a new arrangement is made. Multiple media reports suggested that discussions are ongoing in Delhi and the next course of action is expected to be communicated to the Governor soon.
As per reports, Biren Singh, while resigning, suggested that the Manipur Assembly remain in suspended animation to allow MLAs time to reach a consensus on his successor. However, no candidate currently commands a clear majority within the BJP legislative group. This uncertainty raises the possibility of the President's Rule in the state.
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Kuki groups have long accused Singh of favouring the Meitei community and have demanded his removal since the onset of the conflict. Additionally, pressure for his resignation has grown from within his own party, with BJP lawmakers expressing dissatisfaction over his management of the crisis.
There are speculations that Manipur Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh or Urban Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand could be the next Chief Minister. However, BJP is expected to take any decision only after thorough deliberations. Notably, shortly after Biren Singh’s resignation, Governor Bhalla declared the previous order summoning the Assembly session ''null and void.''
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Under Article 356 of the Constitution, President's Rule must be approved by Parliament within two months. With the Budget session of Parliament in progress, the Centre is reportedly looking to delay any decision until the session resumes in March. If the President's Rule is imposed after Parliament adjourns for recess, the matter will only be taken up in the next sitting.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023. The unrest, triggered by the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, has resulted in over 200 deaths and the displacement of thousands. The state has imposed curfews, internet shutdowns and other measures to control the situation. A particularly disturbing video of women being harassed and paraded publicly caused nationwide outrage.