Imphal, June 30 (MTNews): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has made it clear that he will not be stepping down from his position despite growing calls for his resignation. The announcement comes after a dramatic sequence of events unfolded outside the CM’s residence, where a large crowd gathered urging him to reconsider his decision.
Amidst intense speculation and rumors, N. Biren Singh took to Twitter on Friday, June 30, to address the situation directly. He firmly stated, “At this critical juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister.” The statement comes after a meeting with his Cabinet ministers earlier in the day, where Singh had reportedly announced his intention to quit.
The public pressure on Singh reached its peak outside his residence, where a crowd of people assembled, expressing their desire for him to continue in his role. The protest gained further momentum as women activists blocked the road leading to the Governor’s residence, adding to the mounting pressure on the Chief Minister.
It was reported that around 2:20, Singh, accompanied by a delegation of approximately 20 MLAs, attempted to proceed towards the Governor’s residence but encountered the crowd outside and had to retreat. Eventually, a group of ministers, led by the PWD Minister, addressed the gathering. Minister Susidro Metitei read out a resignation letter that was meant to be submitted to the Governor. Subsequently, the paper was handed over to some women present in the crowd, who tore it.
According to the Sangai Express, on June 29, Singh received multiple calls from New Delhi, offering him the choice to resign voluntarily or face the possibility of the Centre taking over administration. Criticism of Singh’s handling of the crisis in Manipur has come from both opposition parties and members of his own party.
Senior minister Govindas Konthoujam, addressing a gathering of people, confirmed that the Chief Minister had decided against resigning, respecting the sentiments of the public. The CM’s resignation letter, earlier presented to the public by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba and some BJP MLAs, was symbolically torn apart by two women volunteers in front of the crowd.
The protesters who had gathered outside the CM’s official residence in Imphal and obstructed his convoy emphasized the need for stability and continuity in leadership during times of social and political unrest. They argued that Singh’s resignation could further exacerbate existing tensions and hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution of the state’s issues.
Expressing her perspective, protester Sarojini stated, “Now the Chief Minister and his Cabinet ministers are about to resign, but they can’t do this at this juncture. We have chosen them as our leaders, so they can’t resign without our permission.”