Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh Faces Resignation Drama Amidst Unprecedented Crisis

Introduction:

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh finds himself amidst a tumultuous situation in the state as protests and violence continue to escalate. Speculations about his resignation emerged after fresh protests erupted, leaving the state on edge. However, Singh's resignation bid turned into a dramatic somersault as he survived the crisis and remained in office. This article delves into the events leading up to the resignation bid and the subsequent turn of events.

Crisis Deepens in Manipur:

Protests, violence, and growing unrest have plagued Manipur for over 50 days, posing a severe challenge to the government and its leader, Chief Minister Biren Singh. The recent killing of two Meitei village defence volunteers in a gun battle with alleged Kuki militants added fuel to the fire. Enraged by the government's perceived failure to protect innocent lives, thousands of women protestors took to the streets, criticizing the chief minister and demanding justice.

Centre's Disapproval and Curtailed Responsibilities:

The central government's confidence in Biren Singh began to wane, leading to a curtailment of his responsibilities. The home ministry declared that it would handle the issues in the hills, while the state government should focus solely on restoring peace in the valley. Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed this message to the chief minister, indicating that his tenure was on shaky ground.

Resignation Drama Unfolds:

Amidst mounting pressure and speculations, Manipur woke up to unconfirmed news of Chief Minister Biren Singh contemplating resignation. While some sources attributed it to the chief minister's personal hurt caused by the protests' personal attacks, others claimed that New Delhi had made unusually harsh phone calls to him, giving him the option to resign or face the axe.

Protests and Clamor to Save the Chief Minister:

As the day progressed, the chief minister's supporters gathered outside his official residence, urging him not to resign. Singh's meeting with the governor was postponed to allow more time for his supporters to rally behind him. However, as Singh's cavalcade set out towards Raj Bhawan to tender his resignation, his women supporters intercepted the procession. In a dramatic twist, a woman supporter allegedly tore the resignation paper, emphasizing the chief minister's intent to continue in office.

Chief Minister Survives the Crisis:

Amidst the unfolding drama, Chief Minister Biren Singh returned to his residence without visiting Raj Bhawan. He later clarified on social media that he would not be resigning from his position. Critics accused Singh of orchestrating a staged resignation drama to deflect the mounting pressure on him to step down.

Reactions and Regaining Lost Ground:

The entire episode, whether staged or not, helped Chief Minister Biren Singh regain some of his lost ground. Several organizations, including those not directly supporting Singh, opposed his resignation or the imposition of President's Rule. The demand for his resignation is expected to subside temporarily, as the people of Manipur emphasize the need for elected representatives to work together to restore peace in the state.

Conclusion:

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh's resignation bid amidst the ongoing crisis created a wave of uncertainty in the state. However, the dramatic turn of events and the support he received from his followers allowed him to survive the crisis and continue in office. As Manipur grapples with escalating protests and violence, the challenges faced by the government and its leader remain significant.