Is Chief Minister N.Biren Singh Losing Grip in His Home Turf?

The rise of Nongthombam Biren Singh from a military man, footballer, and local journalist to the state’s leader has been nothing short of a fairytale. His journey began amidst the widespread protests in the valley against the NSCN-IM and the ceasefire agreement with the Indian government, marked by the tragic ‘June uprising day’ in Manipur. As the editor of ‘Naharolgi Thoudang’, his editorials criticizing the government’s handling of the situation made him a hero among the Meiteis, even leading to his imprisonment. Upon release, he entered politics and secured a significant victory in the 2002 state assembly elections from Heingang Assembly Constituency.

Becoming Manipur’s first BJP Chief Minister in 2017, he initially enjoyed the moniker ‘People’s CM’. However, his aggressive stance towards certain communities, particularly the Kuki, has polarized opinions. His administration’s policies and social media presence reflect this division, which is uncharacteristic of a state leader. Despite this, he managed to cultivate a hero image among many Meiteis, albeit at the cost of promoting hate speech against the Kuki community.

Recently, however, his popularity has dwindled. Public faith in his leadership has waned amidst ongoing violence and perceived inaction. Critics now dismiss him as a ‘Facebook hero’ lacking substantial leadership qualities. The violence in Manipur has persisted for over 14 months, and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appears incapable of taking effective action beyond condemning criminals and making appeals for peace. No concrete measures have been observed in recent days, leading critics to label him a “Facebook hero” rather than a leader of substance. The women protesters have lost faith in Biren-led state government, viewing him as more concerned with retaining his position than with genuinely working to restore peace. Biren and other lawmakers are accused of issuing contradictory statements, creating confusion among the populace in an attempt to give the illusion of an active government.

Despite frequent trips to Delhi and other parts of the state, Biren’s efforts have yielded no positive results. As people continue to die and protesters demand peace, he remains in his bungalow, protected by security forces. This detachment has only intensified the public’s disillusionment. Never before in Manipur’s history has a Chief Minister been so restricted, unable to enter many districts of the state. This unprecedented situation underscores the extent of the crisis and the perceived inadequacy of the current administration’s response.

Incidentally, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh reportedly cancelled his flight on Sunday to New Delhi to hold a high-level meeting on the situation in the state and to hammer out a concrete solution to the protracted crisis in Manipur.

As per the Imphal Free Press report, N Biren Singh arrived in Guwahati on Saturday and was scheduled to depart for Delhi on Sunday. However, N Biren Singh along with PHED Minister L. Susindro cancelled his visit to Delhi and returned to Imphal.

Sources said that N Biren Singh went to meet Assam Chief Minister and NEDA Convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma to arrange an appointment with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources further said that his request was reportedly declined.

As Chief Minister N Biren returned to Imphal, speculations are rife in Imphal about suspended animation of the Manipur legislative assembly and invocation of Presidents Rule in the state.

As Chief Minister N Biren returned to Imphal, speculations are rife in Imphal about suspended animation of the Manipur legislative assembly and invocation of Presidents’ Rule in the state.

Suspended animation of the assembly instead of dissolution means a new government could be brought about any time after normalisation of the conflict situation here in the state Sources said, internal fissures within the BJP had widened in recent times with the defeat of BJP candidate in the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency and BJP supported NPF candidate in Outer Manipur constituency.

Despite frequent visits and efforts, including a cancelled trip to Delhi for crisis talks, Biren Singh’s leadership seems ineffective as Manipur remains engulfed in turmoil. Speculation about invoking President’s Rule underscores the gravity of the situation, with internal BJP divisions further complicating matters after recent electoral setbacks.

In essence, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s once heroic image now faces severe scrutiny amid escalating challenges and eroding public support.”