In a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leadership, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep concern over the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, describing it as a belated response to a crisis that has plagued the state for over 21 months.
Kharge likened the resignation to “shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” emphasizing the suffering endured by the people of Manipur during this tumultuous period. Kharge strongly criticized the BJP’s governance in Manipur, stating that their “rank incompetence and utter disregard for Rajdharma” have led to devastating consequences. The crisis has resulted in the deaths of at least 258 individuals, with many more affected by the ongoing violence.
He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his lack of engagement with the state, noting that he has not visited Manipur since his election campaign in January 2022, despite traveling to several foreign countries in the interim. “The Prime Minister is the real culprit of this disdain and apathy,” Kharge asserted, urging Modi to visit Manipur and listen to the harrowing stories of its residents.
He attributed the resignation of Biren Singh to mounting public pressure, a no-confidence motion initiated by the Congress party, and an ongoing investigation by the Supreme Court. Kharge expressed relief that the resignation was not a mere political drama, suggesting that “better sense has prevailed.”
The situation is further exacerbated by the displacement of over 60,000 people, who have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict. Additionally, the looting of more than 5,600 arms and 6.5 lakh rounds of ammunition from police armories has raised concerns about the ability of the authorities to maintain law and order in the region.
Congress MP Supriya Shrinate echoed Kharge’s sentiments, asserting that Biren Singh’s resignation was not a result of a newfound conscience but rather a decision made out of necessity. She pointed out that the Manipur Assembly session had commenced with a no-confidence motion against Singh, which he was likely to lose due to a lack of support from his own party members.
Shrinate noted that several MLAs who had joined Singh from other parties were also facing disqualification, further isolating him politically.
“The resignation is a face-saving measure,” Shrinate claimed, emphasizing that the suspension of the Manipur Assembly limits the opportunity for accountability.
She also referenced a Supreme Court order for a forensic investigation into an alleged audio clip of Biren Singh, in which he purportedly boasted about inciting violence in the state. The investigation is expected to yield a report within a month.
Shrinate criticized the BJP leadership, particularly Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, for their inaction during the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
She highlighted the widespread resentment against Biren Singh, noting that even within his party, there were complaints about his leadership. “The violence that destroyed property worth crores, took away the childhood of children, and caused painful deaths of people is a direct result of the BJP’s negligence,” she stated.
The Congress leaders’ remarks come in the wake of significant unrest in Manipur, which has seen violent clashes and widespread displacement.
The situation has drawn national attention, with calls for accountability and action from the central government. Kharge and Shrinate’s statements reflect a growing frustration with the BJP’s handling of the crisis and a demand for greater engagement from the Prime Minister.
As the political landscape in Manipur continues to evolve, the Congress party is positioning itself as a voice for the affected communities, advocating for justice and support for those displaced by the violence.
The resignation of Biren Singh may mark a turning point in the state’s political dynamics, but the Congress leaders emphasize that the real challenge lies in addressing the underlying issues that have led to the current crisis.
The Congress party’s response to Biren Singh’s resignation underscores the ongoing political tensions in Manipur and the broader implications for the BJP’s governance.
With calls for accountability and a demand for the Prime Minister to engage with the state, the situation remains fluid as the people of Manipur seek resolution and support in the aftermath of a prolonged period of unrest.
