Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, in the face of escalating ethnic violence and mounting political pressure. His resignation follows nearly two years of conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in considerable loss of life and widespread displacement. This decision also comes in response to opposition calls for accountability, including a proposed no-confidence motion against his government.
Why Did Biren Singh Resign?
The immediate reason for Singh’s resignation was the mounting political pressure from the opposition, especially the Congress party, which had been demanding his ousting since the ethnic conflict intensified in May 2023. The Congress was preparing to file a no-confidence motion against him in the state assembly, and there were reports that Singh attempted to sway legislators to block the motion. Manipur Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh accused him of pressuring MLAs to either abstain or vote in his favor. With the political landscape shifting against him, Singh resigned just a day before the critical assembly session.
How Did the Ethnic Violence in Manipur Lead to This Crisis?
Manipur has been in turmoil since May 2023 due to violent clashes between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities. The conflict erupted over demands for Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis, which Kukis opposed, fearing it would take away their existing benefits. The violence has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of around 60,000 people. Armed groups from both sides have engaged in violent attacks, and despite government interventions, tensions remained high. Kuki groups have long accused Singh, a Meitei, of favoring his community in government policies, further worsening the crisis.
Who Will Be the Next Manipur CM?
With N. Biren Singh’s resignation, the BJP is yet to decide on his replacement. Though President’s Rule is a possibility, the BJP, holding a majority with 32 out of 60 MLAs, may avoid it.
Among the frontrunners are Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Rural Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand, and Senior Cabinet Minister T. Biswajit Singh. Khemchand, backed by the RSS, was a contender in 2022 and had earlier criticized Singh’s handling of the crisis. Both Khemchand and Satyabrata were called to Delhi before Singh’s resignation, signaling their strong chances.
