Opposition claims BJP playing ‘musical chairs’ with leadership instead of restoring stability
New Delhi, February 11: Reacting to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP of failing to restore peace in the violence-hit state. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that Opposition pressure forced the leadership change, but criticized the BJP for lacking a concrete plan to bring stability.
"The opposition has consistently raised the issue of Manipur, and somewhere, our pressure has worked. But the sad reality is that BJP has no plan for peace; they are just playing musical chairs with Chief Ministers. Since they lacked the numbers to survive a no-confidence motion, they changed the CM instead. We demand peace in Manipur and urge the Prime Minister to intervene," Gogoi stated.
Priyanka Gandhi: ‘Resignation Was Long Overdue’
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed similar sentiments, stating that Biren Singh's resignation should have come much earlier given that violence in Manipur has continued for over two years.
"This was long overdue. The situation in Manipur has been deteriorating for years, and the BJP leadership failed to act," she said.
TMC's Kirti Azad Blames BJP for Manipur Atrocities
Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad accused the BJP of failing to protect the people of Manipur, particularly women and children, during the ethnic violence.
"The resignation should have happened two years ago when the ethnic clashes started. The atrocities committed against women and children are heartbreaking. The BJP government at the Centre has no idea how to run a state. The anger among the people of Manipur is unimaginable. The BJP will have to answer for the atrocities that have happened in the state," Azad said.
Biren Singh’s Resignation Amid Ongoing Ethnic Clashes
On Sunday, N Biren Singh submitted his resignation to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by BJP state president A Sharda, BJP’s Northeast Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, and at least 19 MLAs.
The resignation comes nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. The conflict began on May 3, 2023, after the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) held a rally protesting a Manipur High Court order that directed the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
With political instability deepening in Manipur, all eyes are now on the BJP leadership to see who will take charge next and what steps will be taken to restore peace in the state.
Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Sandeep
