Sun Feb 09 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Manipur Chief Minister Resigns Amidst Growing Dissension and No-Confidence Threat

**Imphal, India –** Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned today, two years after ethnic violence erupted in the state, effectively ending a period of intense political turmoil. The resignation, submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, comes amidst mounting pressure from within the BJP, a looming Congress no-confidence motion, and allegations of inciting violence.

Singh’s resignation led to the immediate cancellation of the Manipur assembly’s budget session, which was scheduled to begin today. While the BJP currently holds a majority, the potential defection of MLAs dissatisfied with Singh’s leadership threatened the party’s stability during a potential floor test. Sources indicate that around 12 MLAs actively sought his removal, with several more remaining undecided. These dissidents even met with Union Minister Amit Shah to voice their concerns.

The decision to resign followed a meeting in Delhi with BJP president JP Nadda and Amit Shah. Party sources suggest the BJP, riding high on recent electoral successes, wanted to avoid a crisis in Manipur that could overshadow its positive political momentum.

Manipur BJP chief A Sharda Devi stated that Singh’s resignation was intended to protect the state’s integrity and prioritize public welfare, praising his past service. However, the party has yet to announce his successor.

The Congress, which had planned to move a no-confidence motion, hailed the resignation as a vindication of its demands. Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh issued strong statements criticizing Singh’s handling of the violence and Prime Minister Modi’s perceived inaction. They also pointed to leaked audio tapes, purportedly of Singh inciting violence, that are currently under investigation by the Supreme Court. A private forensic laboratory, Truth Labs, confirmed a 93% voice match with Singh’s voice on these tapes. The Supreme Court has requested a report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory on the matter. The resignation, while lauded by the opposition, leaves the future political landscape of violence-torn Manipur uncertain.

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