N Biren Singh quit as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Sunday. Singh along with BJP MP Sambit Patra, state ministers and MLAs visited the Raj Bhavan on Monday to meet the Governor. The meeting is precisely because the Centre is yet to zero-in on Singh’s replacement or may be look out for other alternatives for the time being.
Singh first became the Chief Minister of Manipur in 2017. His resignation came after stiff opposition from Kuki-Zo leaders and some MLAs as ethnic violence in the Northeastern state continued to escalate, claiming many lives over the past two years. But where does Singh’s resignation as CM leave Manipur at?
Will Centre impose President’s rule in Manipur?
According to multiple media reports, there are discussions being held on the choosing the next CM candidate which could either be Manipur Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh or Urban Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand. But BJP sources told The Indian Express that this decision will be taken after much consideration and careful discussions.
Some have also suggest that President’s Rule might be imposed for four to five months initially and could be extended until a consensus candidate for CM is chosen. President’s Rule can be renewed for up to six months at a time.
A legislator told IE that imposing President’s Rule may not be a good look for the BJP. He argued that the state BJP should run the government, noting that there is no major political crisis or worse law and order situation than what the state has already been facing for months.
What is happening in Manipur?
Manipur has been witnessing violent clashes between the Meiteis from the valley and the Kuki-Zo communities. As the clashes grew with time, the state imposed curfews and took various measures for safety of the citizens like suspending the internet multiple times. Many videos have been doing the rounds of social media for months which show the state of violence. One disturbing video which led to a public outrage was when men were seen harassing and parading women in a district.
Since May 3, 2023, over 200 people have been killed and thousands have been forced to leave heir homes.
The violence originally started because of a disagreement over the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe status, which led to the widespread protests and clashes. On May 3 last year, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) organised a march to oppose this demand, which sparked even more violence.
Manipur Budget Session Suspended
The Manipur Assembly Budget session which was supposed to begin on Monday, has been suspended after Biren Singh’s resignation. However, reports suggest that the session will continue once a new CM is appointed.