Imphal, February 9 : A day ahead of a critical Assembly session, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh submitted his resignation to Governor A.K. Bhalla on Sunday. However, the Governor has asked him to remain in office as the caretaker Chief Minister until a successor is appointed.
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed deep appreciation for the Central government’s ongoing support in ensuring the state’s development and stability. “I am extremely thankful to the Central government for its timely interventions and initiatives that have safeguarded the interests of every Manipuri,” he wrote. Singh urged the Central government to continue its commitment to Manipur’s progress through the Governor’s office.
Singh outlined key issues that remain critical to the state, including the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity, which he described as having a “rich and ancient civilizational history.” He also called for stricter measures against border infiltration, along with comprehensive policies to address the deportation of illegal immigrants. The ongoing fight against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism was another major point of emphasis in his letter.
Singh further highlighted the implementation of a “revised and fool-proof border management mechanism” that includes strict biometric monitoring. He noted that work on faster, more efficient border management is already underway.
At 64, Nongthombam Biren Singh has been a prominent political figure in Manipur. He first assumed office as the state’s 12th Chief Minister on March 15, 2017, after leading the BJP to its first electoral victory in the state. Singh retained power following the BJP’s win in the 2022 Assembly elections. However, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023, created significant political challenges for him during his second term.
A senior official at the Raj Bhavan confirmed that Singh, accompanied by several ministers and leaders, met Governor Bhalla and formally handed over his resignation. Following the meeting, the Governor asked Singh to continue in his role temporarily to ensure smooth governance until the BJP finalizes new leadership.
A senior BJP leader hinted that the party’s central leadership, in coordination with state leaders, is expected to announce a new chief minister within the next few days. Though rumors of Singh’s resignation had circulated for weeks, Sunday’s development caught many off guard, including both political figures and observers.
During the meeting with the Governor, Singh was joined by BJP’s northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra, Manipur BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and several cabinet ministers and party officials. The decision is expected to play a critical role in determining Manipur’s political direction moving forward.