Manipur CM Biren Singh Resigns Amid Ethnic Violence

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid ongoing ethnic violence and increasing political pressure. His decision comes after nearly two years of unrest between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has led to significant loss of lives and displacement. The resignation also follows opposition demands for accountability, including a planned no-confidence motion against his government.

Why Did Biren Singh Resign?

The immediate trigger for Singh’s resignation was the political pressure from the opposition, particularly the Congress party, which had been calling for his removal since the ethnic conflict escalated in May 2023. The Congress was set to introduce a no-confidence motion against him in the state assembly, and reports suggested that Singh tried to influence legislators to prevent the motion from passing. Manipur Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh accused him of pressuring MLAs to abstain or vote in his favor. With the political tide turning against him, Singh stepped down just a day before the crucial 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.

Was This Resignation Expected?

Despite continuous calls for his removal, Singh had previously refused to resign. In August 2024, he stated that he would restore peace within six months and ruled out stepping down. However, by November 2024, the Mizo National Front (MNF) openly demanded his resignation, citing his failure to control the violence and improve the situation. As tensions continued, his political support weakened, making his exit inevitable.

What’s Next for Manipur?

With Singh’s resignation, the focus now shifts to who will replace him and how the new leadership will handle the ongoing ethnic conflict. The priority will be restoring law and order, addressing the grievances of both Meiteis and Kukis, and rebuilding trust in the government. The political landscape in Manipur is set for a major shift, and how the central government responds will be crucial in determining the state’s future stability.

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.

Summary of the news