Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has leveled serious allegations against members of his own party’s state unit, claiming that a concerted conspiracy led to his resignation in February 2025. In an interview, the 65-year-old leader asserted that certain BJP colleagues in Manipur, unable to reconcile with his political ascent after he transitioned from the Congress, worked in tandem with opposition figures to orchestrate his removal from the top office.
Singh clarified that his grievances are directed specifically at sections of the state leadership rather than the BJP’s central command. According to him, these local leaders viewed the party as their personal property and struggled to accept his elevation to the Chief Minister’s post twice. The state government is currently led by Y Khemchand Singh, who was among the senior leaders reported to have pushed for Biren Singh’s departure earlier this year.
Addressing the ongoing security crisis, Singh challenged the narrative that his resignation would serve as a catalyst for peace in the region. He pointed to the persistent violence involving various groups, noting that the conflict has continued unabated even under the new administration. He specifically questioned why the situation had not stabilized, remarking that the issues once attributed to his tenure as a form of favoritism were still occurring under the current government’s watch. He invoked the European Parliament’s 2023 resolution on the state as a reference point for the international attention the conflict has drawn.
Beyond internal party dynamics, Singh expressed concern over what he described as a retreat from key policy initiatives that defined his administration. He urged the incumbent government to reinvigorate the state’s anti-drug campaign and efforts to curb poppy cultivation. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of continuing the biometric identification of suspected illegal immigrants. Singh argued that even if immediate deportation was not feasible, these individuals should be held in camps to ensure regional stability and secure the state's future.
The former Chief Minister also highlighted a critical communication gap between the current administration and the public. He argued that the present government’s failure to inform citizens about its actions is eroding public trust. During his time in office, Singh noted that his government maintained a policy of publicly sharing data regarding identified immigrants and ongoing development projects. He believes that the lack of transparent information since he left office is a significant factor in the loss of confidence among the electorate.
With Manipur’s assembly elections approaching early next year, Singh expressed apprehension regarding the BJP’s electoral prospects. Despite his frustration with the state unit’s leadership and the manner of his exit, he maintained that the BJP remains the most viable option for the state's governance. He stated that the only path to a stable future for Manipur is for the party to return to power.
Looking ahead, Singh indicated that his primary focus is on how the party can regain the faith of the public. He expressed a desire for the BJP’s central leadership to intervene to address these administrative and political shortcomings. Whether these allegations will impact the party’s strategy in the coming months remains a point of significant focus for observers as the state prepares for the electoral cycle.
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