Speculation Surrounds Another Potential Resignation Drama in Manipur

After a highly theatrical resignation drama in June 2023 orchestrated by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, rumors are now circulating on various social media platforms about the potential resignation of the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues.

According to reports, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, along with his cabinet colleagues from both the hills and the valley, and the MLAs, have collectively decided to present demands to the Central government regarding the state. They have cautioned that all of them will resign unless these urgent issues are addressed.

A highly reliable source revealed that the Chief Minister held extensive and serious discussions with as many as 32 legislators at his Secretariat, lasting from 4 pm to 8:30 pm today. However, a final decision on the resolution could not be reached due to the absence of certain legislators during the meeting, according to the source. The meeting is scheduled to continue at 11:30 tomorrow to arrive at a conclusive decision.

Political observers analyzing the Manipur situation suggest that this might be another high-profile political maneuver, a strategic play by the chief minister. It is worth noting that the chief minister is facing considerable pressure from his own community, particularly after the recent deaths of police personnel in Moreh. There have been incidents of women and angry mobs attempting to storm his bungalow in the past few days.

Interestingly, Meitei MLAs who oppose the leadership of Mr. Biren Singh are currently in Delhi, briefing central leaders about the need for a change of leadership in the Manipur government. Absentees from the meeting included MLAs like Karam Shyam, Paonam Brojen, Th Radheshyam, Nishikant Sapam, Kh Raghumani, L Rameshwor, and S Rajen, all of whom are in Delhi advocating for a change in Chief Minister.

Additionally, the private armed militia of Biren Singh, Arambai Tenggol, has called for a meeting of all Meitei MLAs on January 24 at Kangla. The order issued by Arambai Chief Korounganba has warned of dire consequences if any MLA fails to attend the said meeting. This move is seen as a well-calculated strategy by CM N. Biren to activate his Plan B in order to secure his position as the chief minister. Many informed Meiteis are aware of the underlying intention behind the formation of Arambai Tenggol, which appears to be aimed at protecting CM N. Biren’s position by posing as a national army for the Meiteis. The group silences any dissenting voices against the current administration led by Biren. The proposed meeting by Arambai Tenggol seems designed to disrupt the activities of dissident MLAs currently in Delhi advocating for the removal of Biren from the CM chair.”