Manipur’s Political Crisis: More Than Just a Leadership Change

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Feb. The resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is not just another routine political development; it is a stark reflection of the deep-seated ethnic and political turmoil that has gripped the state for nearly two years. What began as sporadic unrest has now escalated into a full-blown governance crisis, forcing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to act under pressure from both within its ranks and the broader electorate.

Manipur’s ongoing conflict, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has left thousands displaced, further exacerbating the fragile law-and-order situation. The BJP-led administration failed to contain the violence, and as trust in the government eroded, even party legislators began distancing themselves from the leadership. The tipping point came when BJP MLAs threatened to align with the opposition in a no-confidence motion, compelling the party’s central leadership to remove Singh in a bid to prevent political disaster.

However, his resignation does not automatically resolve the state’s deep-rooted issues. The political shake-up is only a temporary solution to a much larger problem—the failure to restore order, address grievances, and bridge ethnic divisions. Without a comprehensive and inclusive approach to governance, Manipur’s crisis will persist, regardless of who occupies the chief minister’s chair.

Ethnic Conflict and the Failure of Governance

Since May 2023, Manipur has been in a state of continuous unrest, with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities fueling violent clashes. The conflict has not only led to widespread displacement but also to targeted attacks that have shaken the very foundation of communal harmony.

The inability of the government to prevent violence or hold perpetrators accountable has significantly weakened public confidence. Armed groups continue to operate with impunity, and the administration’s failure to take decisive action has allowed the crisis to fester. Despite repeated appeals for intervention, the central government remained hesitant, seemingly prioritizing political stability over immediate conflict resolution.

The removal of N. Biren Singh may be a response to political pressure, but it does little to address the core issue—the absence of effective governance in a region with complex ethnic dynamics. Unless the new leadership takes bold and inclusive steps to address grievances from all communities, the underlying tensions will remain unresolved.

BJP’s Internal Struggles and Political Calculations

Beyond the ethnic conflict, the crisis in Manipur has also exposed cracks within the BJP itself. The party, which once projected strength and stability in the Northeast, found itself struggling to maintain control in a state where its own legislators were losing faith in the administration.

With assembly elections scheduled for 2027, BJP MLAs faced growing discontent from their constituencies. Voters held the government responsible for the state’s prolonged instability, and continuing under the same leadership was seen as a political liability. To avoid electoral backlash, many BJP legislators pushed for a change in leadership, making it clear that if Singh was not replaced, they would consider aligning with the opposition.

Faced with this internal revolt, the central leadership had little choice but to act. The removal of the chief minister was an attempt to salvage the party’s image and prevent further fragmentation. However, simply changing the face at the top will not be enough if the underlying governance failures are not addressed.

Challenges for the New Leadership

Replacing N. Biren Singh is only the first step in resolving Manipur’s crisis. The new leadership, once appointed, will face the monumental task of restoring normalcy, rebuilding trust among communities, and implementing policies that prioritize peace over political expediency.

The next government must focus on:

• Strengthening law enforcement to prevent further violence.
• Engaging in meaningful dialogue with all ethnic groups to address long-standing grievances.
• Ensuring that governance is inclusive, rather than favoring one community over another.
• Rebuilding public confidence by demonstrating a commitment to justice and accountability.

The challenge lies not just in managing immediate tensions but in creating a long-term framework that promotes stability and development in the region. Political maneuvering alone will not be sufficient—the new administration must prove its credibility through decisive action.

A Larger Lesson for the BJP and the Centre

Manipur’s crisis also raises broader questions about the BJP’s governance approach in the Northeast. While the party has achieved electoral success in the region, sustaining long-term stability requires more than just political dominance.

The central government must reassess its strategy for conflict-prone states, recognizing that ethnic and regional issues cannot be managed solely through political calculations. A more proactive approach—one that prioritizes stability, development, and inclusive governance—is essential to ensuring that Manipur does not become a precedent for similar crises in other parts of the Northeast.

Conclusion

N. Biren Singh’s resignation is a symptom of a much larger problem—the failure of governance in a state deeply divided along ethnic lines. While the BJP has acted to prevent immediate political fallout, replacing the chief minister alone will not be enough to resolve Manipur’s ongoing crisis.

The new leadership must go beyond political survival tactics and work toward restoring peace, addressing community grievances, and rebuilding public trust. Meanwhile, the central government must recognize that long-term stability in conflict-prone regions requires more than just electoral victories—it demands a genuine commitment to inclusive and effective governance.

Without a clear and sustained effort to address the root causes of the conflict, Manipur’s troubles will continue, regardless of who holds power.