The political landscape in Manipur was engulfed in uncertainty as speculations of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation triggered high drama in the capital city.
On Friday afternoon, Chief Minister Singh, accompanied by several ministers and leaders, attempted to visit the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when a large gathering of thousands of people, primarily women, surrounded his car and blocked his path, forcing him to retreat.
During the incident, some media outlets displayed what appeared to be Singh’s torn resignation letter addressed to the Governor.
Manipur government spokesman and Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan Singh clarified that the Chief Minister was upset over recent events in the state, and discussions about the next course of action were ongoing.
Local media reported conflicting timings for the supposed meeting between Chief Minister Singh and the Governor, initially scheduled for 10 a.m, then deferred to 1 p.m., and finally moved to 3 p.m.
Raj Bhavan sources declined to comment on the latest developments and did not confirm whether the meeting between the Chief Minister and the Governor had taken place.
Notably, Chief Minister Biren Singh had recently traveled to Delhi on June 25, where he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
During Shah’s four-day visit to Manipur from May 29 to June 1, several measures were announced, including the formation of a three-member Commission of Inquiry led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajai Lamba.
Additionally, a CBI inquiry into six cases, the establishment of a Joint Security Command headed by former CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh, and a relief package for the victims and affected families were also part of the announcements.
The situation in Manipur prevailed at time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was touring the violence-hit state, visiting various districts, and meeting with those affected by the recent events.
The uncertainty surrounding the Chief Minister’s position has added to the already tense political atmosphere in the region. (Edited)