The political landscape in Manipur is under intense scrutiny following the resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh amid escalating ethnic tensions in the state. The governor of Manipur has acknowledged Biren Singh’s resignation along with his council of ministers but has requested that he remain in his role until new arrangements are established.
What are the forthcoming developments in Manipur? Could the state be placed under President’s Rule?
There is widespread speculation about a potential change in leadership within the state. Reports suggest that President’s Rule might be implemented if the BJP fails to establish a new government in the conflict-ridden region. Amidst the prevailing political turbulence and violence, who might assume the Chief Minister’s role after Biren Singh?
Potential candidates for the position include former assembly speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh, senior minister Biswajit Singh, current assembly speaker T Satyabrata Singh, and state BJP in-charge Sambit Patra.
1. Yumnam Khemchand Singh
Yumnam Khemchand Singh serves as the minister of rural development and panchayati raj. He previously held the position of speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. As reported by the Times of India, Khemchand, who has backing from the RSS, has been critical of Biren’s management of the ethnic turmoil that surfaced in May 2023. He was among the 19 BJP lawmakers who abstained from a critical meeting convened by the former Chief Minister last year.
Khemchand Singh remarked on Monday that all members will comply with the party’s high command’s decision. “We accept the high command’s decision. The issue has been resolved. Our focus now is on restoring normalcy. According to party protocols, whatever the high command decides, we will adhere to. All members will support the party’s decision,” Khemchand Singh told ANI when queried about who would succeed Biren Singh.
2. Biswajit Singh
Biswajit Singh holds the titles of minister for power, forest, environment and climate change, agriculture, as well as science & technology in Manipur. His name has circulated as a contender for the top role since 2022. He was seen as a possible alternative to Biren when the BJP secured its second consecutive term in Manipur in 2022.
3. T Satyabrata Singh
T Satyabrata Singh is the current assembly speaker in Manipur and has reportedly been summoned to New Delhi for discussions, making him a strong candidate for the position.
4. Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh
He serves as the education minister and is a four-time MLA from the Nambol Assembly constituency in Bishnupur District, having won the 2022 Manipur legislative assembly election.
5. Thokchom Radheshyam Singh
Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, a BJP MLA from Manipur’s Heirok constituency, previously resigned as an advisor to former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, citing a lack of responsibilities or consultations since his appointment. He had expressed frustration with the government’s operations.
On Monday, state BJP in-charge Sambit Patra conducted closed-door discussions with several BJP legislators at a hotel in Imphal to chart the next steps, according to party sources.
Sources indicate that Patra met with speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, municipal administration housing development minister Y Khemchand, education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, and BJP MLA Th Radheshyam. Three of these individuals are noted for their strained relationships with Singh.
While these individuals are emerging as contenders for the Chief Minister position in Manipur, there has been no official confirmation regarding the matter. Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, president of the BJP’s Manipur unit, stated, “Details will be revealed at the appropriate time. There is a process to follow.”
