After Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh submitted his resignation letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday, Congress attacked the Singh-led government for instigating "division" in the state for nearly two years.
The opposition has been demanding Singh's resignation for long after the ethnic clash broke out in the state.
Leader of Opposition and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Singh was forced to resign due to mounting public pressure. He also added Supreme Court's intervention and his grand old party's plan to move a no-confidence motion in the assembly played a role in his decision.
"For nearly two years, the BJP's Chief Minister Biren Singh instigated division in Manipur. Prime Minister Modi allowed him to continue despite the violence, loss of life, and the destruction of the idea of India in Manipur," said Gandhi.
Congress again urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and listen to the people.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Manipur CM N Biren Singh's resignation, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal says, "The central governmnet is continuously monitoring the things taking place there...They are taking all the necessary steps..." pic.twitter.com/FgAtVVbrvm
— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2025
"The people of Manipur now await a visit by our frequent-flier prime minister who is off to France and the US now -- and who has found neither the time nor the inclination to go to Manipur these past 20 months," said AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh.
AICC general secretary in-charge organisation K.C. Venugopal criticised Singh for fuelling chaos and worsening the civil war-like situation in Manipur.
Since May 2023, it was clear to the entire world that N. Biren Singh’s position as Manipur CM was untenable. It was also evident that he was unfit to remain in his post, yet the Central Government continued to shield him despite growing demands for his removal.
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) February 9, 2025
For over 20…
"It was also evident that he was unfit to remain in his post, yet the central government continued to shield him despite growing demands for his removal," said Venugopal.
Singh's resignation came after his meeting with Amit Shah in Delhi ahead of the assembly session, set to begin on Monday.
With Singh's diminishing popularity among BJP leaders, it was difficult for him to continue in the post. Another controversy erupted earlier this week after SC sought reports on the authenticity of leaked audio clips alleging Singh's role in the ethnic violence.
The tapes reportedly included conversations where Singh allegedly suggested that Meitei groups were allowed to loot arms and ammunition from the state government during the unrest, which has so far claimed 250 lives.
Though the governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla accepted Singh's resignation, along with that of his council of ministers, he requested Singh to continue in the post till alternative arrangements are made.
