In a surprise move ahead of the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned on Sunday. While many political analysts believe the BJP government had no choice but to step down, others, including myself, see it as a strategic decision rather than a forced one. The prevailing situation can be interpreted both ways, but I believe the BJP aimed not just to counter the Opposition’s pressure tactics but also to manage dissent within its own ranks.
Singh’s resignation follows months of political turmoil, particularly after ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands. The BJP leadership had previously stood firmly behind Singh despite mounting pressure from the Opposition, which it accused of orchestrating unrest with external backing. The violence, marked by deeply disturbing incidents, was widely seen as a political weapon used to destabilize the government. Singh’s departure at this juncture, therefore, signals not just an internal BJP recalibration but also a broader effort to regain control over the state’s volatile situation.
Singh’s resignation followed a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, signaling that it was a strategic directive rather than a unilateral decision. With dissent growing in the BJP’s state unit and a no-confidence motion looming, the leadership acted preemptively to minimize political damage and maintain stability, leveraging ample time for a more calculated approach.
Singh resigned a day before the scheduled budget session of the state assembly, which was abruptly scrapped, raising questions about BJP’s larger game plan. His resignation letter expressed gratitude to the central leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to Manipur’s development. Notably, he was accompanied by BJP’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, state president A. Sharda, and 19 MLAs, underlining the party’s control over the transition process.
Singh’s exit also followed a Supreme Court directive for a forensic report on leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring him. The tapes, purportedly suggesting his involvement in instigating violence, added another layer of political controversy. The Opposition was quick to frame his removal as a delayed attempt by the BJP to prevent government collapse and evade legal repercussions.
BJP’s decision to let Singh step down appears to be an effort to mitigate potential embarrassment and allow the legal process to play out over time. The resignation, however, drew mixed reactions from different ethnic groups. Meitei organizations viewed it as poorly timed, fearing it would embolden Kuki separatist forces. In contrast, Kuki tribal leaders, who had long demanded Singh’s ouster, maintained that their agitation would persist until their demand for separate administration was met.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei organization, expressed concerns that Singh’s resignation would weaken their political standing. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing Kuki interests, insisted that Singh’s exit was overdue and insufficient without further administrative concessions.
Biren Singh’s political career is marked by resilience and adaptability. A former footballer who played for the Border Security Force (BSF) team, he transitioned into politics, initially with the Congress before joining the BJP in 2016. His rise within the BJP culminated in his appointment as Chief Minister in 2017, a tenure characterized by both political successes and ethnic turmoil.
The ethnic hostilities in Manipur have deep historical roots, with the Meiteis primarily residing in the Imphal valley and the Kukis in the surrounding hills. The violence of the past two years has exacerbated divisions, with both communities retreating into their strongholds, separated by fortified buffer zones. Managing these tensions required delicate political maneuvering, which Singh attempted but ultimately could not sustain amid rising opposition and legal scrutiny.
Singh’s resignation comes at a time when the BJP has regained strong electoral footing at the national level. The party secured a third consecutive term under Narendra Modi, a historic feat, and recorded significant victories in key states such as Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. With these wins bolstering the party’s confidence, BJP now appears more willing to make leadership changes in troubled states like Manipur, where Singh’s continued presence had become a liability.
By orchestrating a controlled transition, the BJP aims to neutralize opposition attacks while maintaining its hold over Manipur. The decision also serves as a broader message that the party prioritizes stability over individual leadership, reinforcing its commitment to governance over personal loyalties.
Biren Singh’s resignation, while seemingly compelled by political pressure and legal challenges, aligns with BJP’s broader electoral and governance strategy. By stepping down, Singh has allowed the party to reposition itself ahead of upcoming elections while managing the complex ethnic tensions in Manipur. The move, rather than being an admission of defeat, underscores the BJP’s tactical adaptability—a hallmark of its political maneuvering in recent years.
