As Biren Singh continues to function as Caretaker Chief Minister, unresolved questions persist regarding the legitimacy of this transitional phase and the central government’s long-term strategy for resolving the governance crisis in Manipur.
By Dhiren A. Sadokpam
On February 9, 2025, Nongthombam Biren Singh tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Manipur, submitting his formal letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. This development occurred in the backdrop of intensifying political tensions, unresolved ethnic conflicts, and growing discontent within the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit.
While Biren Singh’s resignation letter conveyed appreciation for the central BJP government’s “timely interventions” and underscored key policy priorities—such as border security, anti-narcotics initiatives, and territorial cohesion of Manipur—it notably omitted any reference to governance challenges or the enduring crisis within Manipur.
Institutional Responses and Legislative Implications
In response to the resignation, the Governor promptly accepted Biren Singh’s decision but requested that he continue in a caretaker capacity until alternative arrangements were established. Simultaneously, the Governor’s Secretariat issued a notification declaring the 7th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly—initially scheduled for January 24, 2025—null and void under Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution. This measure effectively prevented the Assembly from convening, thereby precluding any potential no-confidence motion against the government.
The strategic timing of these decisions raises questions regarding the BJP’s approach to governance and institutional accountability. By annulling the Assembly session, the Governor—acting upon the counsel of the central leadership—effectively curtailed the possibility of legislative scrutiny, particularly from dissenting BJP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including those representing the Kuki-Zo community. This decision reflects a broader pattern of leveraging constitutional provisions to manage political challenges, prioritizing governmental stability over legislative transparency.
A Critical Appraisal of Governance under Biren Singh
Since assuming office in 2022 for the second term, Biren Singh’s administration has faced persistent ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, significant challenges in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking, and complex issues related to security concerns at the Indo-Myanmar border. Despite acknowledging the severity of the conflict, Biren Singh’s government struggled to implement comprehensive reconciliation strategies and largely relied on enforcement-driven policies that were perceived as inadequate in addressing the root causes of instability or even the violence.
The intensification of inter-community conflicts under Biren Singh’s tenure has resulted in substantial human and socio-political costs. Reports indicate that over 200 individuals have lost their lives, while approximately 60,000 individuals have been displaced. Additionally, Biren Singh had also conceded that his government lacked direct control over the Unified Command responsible for security operations, thereby highlighting administrative limitations. This literally impinged on the federal structure of the Indian Constitution.
The internal fragmentation of the Manipur BJP unit has further compounded governance challenges. Since May 3, 2023, at least ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have publicly criticized Biren Singh’s policies, alleging bias. Their dissent, coupled with intense opposition from certain Meitei BJP legislators, posed a significant challenge to the government’s stability. In light of this, the central BJP leadership facilitated Biren Singh’s resignation as a means of pre-empting a public legislative contestation. Notably, Biren Singh refrained from taking punitive measures against BJP members advocating for separate administrative arrangements for Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas in Manipur, raising questions regarding the coherence of his stance on the state’s integrity, both territorially and administratively.
Political Strategy and Democratic Norms
The BJP’s central leadership has adopted a nuanced approach to governance in Manipur, oscillating between administrative interventions and selective decentralization of authority. While initiatives such as biometric border monitoring and anti-narcotics campaigns have been prioritized, there has been a conspicuous absence of structured dialogue aimed at addressing ethnic grievances. The reliance on militarized responses to law-and-order crises has further eroded trust among affected communities.
Singh’s resignation and the subsequent annulment of the Assembly session underscore broader concerns regarding political manoeuvring and democratic accountability. The perceived prioritization of power consolidation through constitutional mechanisms has, in turn, raised apprehensions about the erosion of democratic norms and institutional integrity. As Biren Singh continues to function as caretaker Chief Minister, unresolved questions persist regarding the legitimacy of this transitional phase and the central government’s long-term strategy for resolving the governance crisis in Manipur.
Broader Political Context: Marginalization of Dissent
The developments in Manipur exemplify a broader trend within Indian politics wherein intra-party dissent is often met with marginalization rather than constructive engagement. National political parties have historically exhibited a preference for hierarchical loyalty over internal critique, often side-lining leaders who challenge established party directives. Instances of internal dissent leading to leadership ascension remain rare, with political advancement typically contingent upon alignment with central party interests rather than independent reformist agendas.
This pattern is particularly evident in the ongoing political reconfiguration in Manipur. Given the BJP’s centralized decision-making approach, it remains unlikely that any dissenting MLAs—whether from the Kuki-Zo or Meitei communities—will be selected as Biren Singh’s successor. The selection process for the next Chief Minister is thus expected to be guided more by considerations of party cohesion and strategic stability than by grassroots demands or regional representation.
The resignation of Biren Singh, coupled with the annulment of the Assembly session, signifies a pivotal moment in Manipur’s political trajectory. While these manoeuvres may temporarily stabilize the BJP’s internal dynamics, they do little to address the underlying governance and inter-ethnic challenges confronting the state. Moving forward, the restoration of democratic processes, inclusive political dialogue, and reconciliation-driven policymaking will be essential for ensuring sustainable peace and stability in Manipur.
(Dhiren A. Sadokpam is the Editor-in-Chief of The Frontier Manipur.)