Manipur CM Biren Singh quits nearly two years after ethnic violence
PTC News Desk: Manipur chief minister Biren Singh resigned from his position nearly two years after the north-eastern state grappled with ethnic violence.
The Chief Minister handed over his resignation to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the incumbent BJP government in the riot-hit state faces the possibility of a no-confidence motion and a floor test by the Congress-led Opposition.
"It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the central government for time actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipur," Singh said in his letter.
Biren Singh resigned shortly after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and returning to Manipur.
The BJP holds 32 seats in the Manipur Assembly, along with the backing of five Naga People's Front MLAs and six from the JD(U).
Despite losing support from Conrad Sangma's National People's Party, the BJP still holds a comfortable majority. However, there were speculations that some MLAs pushing for a leadership change might have disregarded the party whip if a floor test had occurred.
The Congress holds five seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, while the opposition National People's Party (NPP) has seven. Additionally, there are three Independent MLAs and two representatives from the Kuki People's Alliance.
The 7th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly is set to begin on Monday, February 10.
- PTC NEWS
