The northeastern state of Manipur in India is making headlines once again. N. Biren Singh has resigned from the post of Chief Minister on Sunday. Amidst the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, demands for his resignation were raised not only by the opposition but also by the BJP legislators. Biren Singh's tenure as Manipur's Chief Minister was marred by numerous controversies, with the violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities being the most questioned.
Post-resignation, speculations have surged on who will ascend to the Chief Minister's role in Manipur. According to a statement from Imphal's Raj Bhavan, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked N. Biren Singh to continue until an 'alternative arrangement' is secured. This has also sparked discussions about the possibility of imposing President's rule in Manipur for a short period.
Will President's Rule Be Imposed in Manipur?
No leader, as of now, commands widespread support from the majority of party legislators in Manipur. Therefore, it is anticipated that the central government may need to impose President's rule.
A few hours after Biren submitted his resignation, Governor Bhalla issued a notification declaring the previous order to convene the assembly 'invalid,' which was scheduled for Monday. He will submit his report to the Center in a few days, after which President's rule may be imposed.
According to Article 356 of the Constitution, the proclamation of President's rule must be presented before both houses of Parliament within two months. If not, the President's rule will cease.
President's Rule or an Alternative Leader?
Experts suggest that with the ongoing animosity between the Kuki and Meitei communities, the new leader replacing Biren Singh must have the ability to foster harmony. In this situation of conflict, the leadership of the state should be handed over to someone capable of bridging the gap between both communities.
One name circulating in political corridors is that of former Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who has openly criticized Biren's handling of the state's affairs. However, no official stance has been announced yet. During the resignation process of Biren Singh, Khemchand, the state's Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, was summoned to Delhi last Monday. Before him, Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh was also called to Delhi.
In November last year, Minister Khemchand was among the 19 BJP legislators who did not attend a meeting convened by Biren Singh. In 2022, when BJP won the election consecutively for the second time, Khemchand was one of the alternate faces considered. However, it was Biren Singh who got lucky and took the oath as Chief Minister for the second time.
The other option being discussed is T. Biswajit, who is currently a cabinet minister and is also being considered as a potential candidate for Manipur's new CM.
Regarding the question of Manipur's next Chief Minister, BJP Manipur Unit President A. Sharda Devi stated, "When it happens, things will be known. There is a process to it."
