Manipur CM Biren Singh attempted resign
Manipur CM Biren Singh, in spite of facing an unprecedented crisis. Emerged from what his detractors called a staged drama and lives to see another day. Fresh protests erupted in Imphal, keeping the city on edge. Leading to rumors of Singh contemplating resignation.
Despite the ongoing violence for over 50 days, CM Biren Singh stood his ground, which initially made the news of his resignation uncertain. However, later in the day, the official confirmation came that he had met with Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
The chief minister’s meeting with the governor fueled speculations, with different versions of the events circulating among those close to the power circle, providing off-the-record information to the media.
Some sources suggested that Singh felt deeply hurt by personal attacks made against him by women protestors the previous night. Media outlets reported that the home ministry took note of the renewed unrest.
Reports indicated that the Centre gave the chief minister the option to either resign or face termination. Allegedly, Singh received multiple harsh calls from “New Delhi” urging him to take action.
Reason behind somersault of CM Biren Singh
The recent flashpoint was the killing of two Meitei village defense volunteers in a gun battle with alleged Kuki militants. Enraged by the government’s failure to protect innocent lives, thousands of women protestors gathered at Khwairamband Ima Market, battling the police as they attempted to march to the chief minister’s residence with one of the deceased’s bodies.
This evening protest became an additional blow to the Biren Singh government, still recovering from preventing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Churachandpur, where he had to resort to a helicopter ride due to roadblocks.
The government’s position grew increasingly precarious throughout the day. The Centre’s reduced responsibilities for Biren Singh, taking over the hills while the state government focuses on restoring peace in the valley, signaled a lack of faith in the chief minister. Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed this message on June 25, indicating that Singh’s time in office was limited.
However, despite the mounting pressure and doubts about his political future, the 62-year-old chief minister emerged from the crisis unscathed.
Response to the drama
Critics argue that Singh staged the resignation drama to deceive people and survive the crisis. When news of his possible resignation leaked, his supporters gathered outside his official residence, urging him to reconsider.
As the chief minister postponed his meeting with the governor to 3 pm, his supporters had more time to rally. When Singh finally stepped out of his residence to tender his resignation at Raj Bhawan, barely 400 meters away, his cavalcade was halted by women supporters.
The women appealed to him not to resign, and amidst the commotion, a woman supporter supposedly grabbed the resignation letter and tore it. The torn letter, with every word intact, went viral, reaffirming the chief minister’s intention.
Interestingly, the torn resignation letter added to the drama as Singh returned to his residence without visiting Raj Bhawan. He later tweeted that he would not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister.
Manipur exclusive:-
The Manipur Congress president viewed the entire development as a staged act to deflect pressure for the chief minister’s resignation. Instead of resigning, the chief minister allegedly gathered BJP workers to block his way to Raj Bhavan, according to the Congress leader.
The dramatic turn of events, whether staged or not, has helped Singh regain some public support. The demand for his resignation, at least for now, appears to have subsided.
Several organizations, even those who did not support Singh, oppose his ouster or the imposition of President’s Rule. They believe that the elected representatives should work together to restore peace in the state, and President’s Rule would not be acceptable.
With conflicting opinions on Singh’s resignation, Manipur finds itself divided, leaving the chief minister’s future in question
