Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday attributed Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh’s resignation to mounting public pressure, a Supreme Court investigation, and a no-confidence motion initiated by Congress.
Gandhi accused Singh of "instigating division" in the state while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "allowing him to continue."
“For nearly two years, BJP’s CM Biren Singh instigated division in Manipur.
PM Modi allowed him to continue despite the violence, loss of life, and the destruction of the idea of India in Manipur," Gandhi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He added, "The resignation of CM Biren Singh shows that mounting public pressure, the SC investigation and the no-confidence motion by the Congress have forced a reckoning."
Gandhi further emphasised the need for immediate steps to restore peace in the violence-marred state.
"But the most urgent priority is to restore peace in the state and work to heal the wounds of the people of Manipur. PM Modi must visit Manipur at once, listen to the people and finally explain his plan to bring back normalcy," he urged.
Also read: Biren Singh resigns as Manipur CM
Biren Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhawan. He was accompanied by BJP President A Sharda, BJP’s North East Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, and at least 19 MLAs.
In his resignation letter, Singh stated, "It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur so far. I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri."
The state has witnessed turmoil since violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on 3 May 2023.
The unrest was triggered by the Manipur High Court’s directive to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
The Congress party had recently intensified its criticism of the BJP government, citing widespread dissatisfaction and allegations of administrative failure.
Gandhi’s remarks come as the BJP faces increased scrutiny for its handling of the crisis.
Political analysts see Biren Singh’s resignation as a significant development in the political landscape of Manipur, marking a turning point after nearly two years of unrest.
Observers note that the involvement of the Supreme Court and Congress’s no-confidence motion placed enormous pressure on the state administration.
Gandhi’s direct appeal to PM Modi further underscores the urgency of the situation.
"The Prime Minister needs to engage directly with the affected communities and ensure that their concerns are heard," he asserted.
Also read: JP Nadda, Amit Shah, other BJP leaders meet as BJP finalises Delhi CM
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