Malappuram, Kerala – Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has criticized the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, calling it “long overdue.” Speaking to reporters on Monday, she pointed out that violence in Manipur had persisted for nearly two years before the BJP finally took action.
Priyanka Gandhi on Biren Singh’s Resignation
“This resignation was long overdue… The situation in Manipur has been ongoing for two years,” Priyanka Gandhi stated while addressing the media in Malappuram, Kerala.
Her remarks come after Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday, ending his term amid mounting political pressure and escalating violence in Manipur.
Congress Alleges Political Calculations Behind Resignation
Congress MP Manickam Tagore accused the BJP of forcing Singh to resign as a strategic move to prevent a no-confidence motion by opposition parties.
“The BJP acted quickly, knowing that the hate politics of the BJP, particularly from the RSS and its affiliates in Manipur, had crossed all limits. After 22 months, the BJP has taken action, but only after Congress and other opposition parties were preparing to file a no-confidence motion,” said Tagore.
He emphasized that Singh’s resignation was a last-minute decision influenced by political compulsions rather than genuine accountability.
Ethnic Conflict Between Meitei and Kuki Communities
The violence in Manipur erupted following a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. The protests were triggered after the Manipur High Court ordered a review of the Meitei community’s inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.
This decision led to intense clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, causing widespread unrest in the state. Over the past two years, the state has witnessed violent incidents, destruction of homes, and loss of lives.
Biren Singh’s Resignation and BJP’s Response
After nearly two years of political instability, Biren Singh finally stepped down. His resignation letter expressed gratitude to the Central government for its support and intervention in Manipur’s crisis.
Singh was accompanied by:
- BJP President A. Sharda
- North East BJP in-charge Sambit Patra
- At least 19 MLAs
While the BJP maintains that Singh’s resignation is part of political restructuring, critics argue that it was a forced move due to public and legal pressure.
Rahul Gandhi: BJP Allowed Violence to Persist
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in on the issue, stating that Biren Singh’s resignation was not voluntary but rather a result of growing public outrage, Supreme Court scrutiny, and the no-confidence motion by Congress.
“For nearly two years, CM Biren Singh, under the BJP, fueled division in Manipur. Despite the violence and loss of lives, PM Modi allowed him to remain in office,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further alleged that the resignation was a direct consequence of increasing legal and political pressure rather than a genuine effort by the BJP to restore peace in Manipur.
Future of Manipur’s Leadership: Who Will Replace Biren Singh?
With Singh stepping down, intense discussions are underway within the BJP leadership to select the next Chief Minister of Manipur.
According to BJP insiders, the two top contenders for the CM position are:
- Thokchom Satyabrata Singh – Current State Assembly Speaker
- Yumnam Khemchand Singh – MAHUD Minister
Both leaders belong to the Meitei community, which constitutes about 53% of Manipur’s population. However, BJP is also considering a leader who is acceptable to both the tribal (Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga) and non-tribal (Meitei) communities to restore political stability.
Biren Singh’s resignation has sparked political debates across India, with Congress leaders like Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi highlighting the BJP’s failure to address Manipur’s ongoing crisis. As Manipur waits for its new Chief Minister, political analysts predict that the BJP’s choice of leader will play a crucial role in restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and addressing ethnic tensions in the state.
