Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has responded to the resignation of N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, amidst escalating violence in the state. Gandhi criticized Singh’s leadership, claiming that he had played a role in deepening divisions in the state for nearly two years. His resignation follows intense pressure from the public, a Supreme Court investigation, and a no-confidence motion filed by the Congress.
In his statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi pointed out that Singh had instigated division during his tenure, and he emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had allowed the situation to worsen despite the violence, loss of life, and the damage caused to India’s unity. He added, “The resignation of CM Biren Singh shows that mounting public pressure, the SC investigation, and the no-confidence motion by the Congress have forced a reckoning.”
Gandhi also called for immediate action to restore peace in the region, stressing that the healing process for the people of Manipur must begin. He urged PM Modi to visit the state, listen to its people, and present a clear plan to bring back normalcy.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal echoed Gandhi’s sentiments, noting that it had been evident since May 2023 that Singh’s position was no longer tenable. He accused the central government of shielding the Chief Minister despite mounting calls for his removal. Venugopal also claimed that Singh’s inaction and role in instigating violence had led to the loss of many lives. The recent release of audio clips exposing his involvement in the unrest, along with the no-confidence motion, ultimately pressured him to resign.
Venugopal expressed hope that Singh’s resignation would mark the beginning of an end to the violence that has plagued Manipur. Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in over 250 deaths and left thousands homeless.
Biren Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla a day before the state assembly’s budget session. In his resignation letter, Singh urged the central government to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur, a state with a rich cultural history that spans thousands of years.
The resignation comes after the ethnic violence erupted in the state following a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. This rally followed a Manipur High Court order which called for consideration of the Meitei community’s inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list, sparking tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
