MANIPUR’S POLITICAL CRISIS DEEPENS: BIREN SINGH FLAGS PUBLIC DISILLUSIONMENT AND BJP INFIGHTING AHEAD OF POLLS

October 30, 2026

IMPHAL, OCTOBER 30, 2026: Former Manipur chief minister and BJP leader N. Biren Singh has warned that his party must urgently regain public confidence ahead of the state assembly elections expected early next year. He has criticised the functioning of the present BJP-led government while maintaining that the party should return to power.

In an interview, Singh accused sections of the state BJP leadership of conspiring with Congress leaders to force his resignation in February 2025. He alleged that internal rivalries and political infighting had undermined his tenure, although he clarified that he was not accusing the party’s central leadership.

Singh also questioned whether his removal had helped restore peace, pointing to continuing violence involving the Naga and Kuki communities. He argued that the persistence of unrest challenged the claim that his departure would resolve Manipur’s security crisis.

Expressing concern over the BJP’s electoral prospects, the former chief minister said the government needed to demonstrate visible action on issues central to its political agenda. He highlighted anti-drug operations, efforts to curb poppy cultivation, biometric identification of suspected illegal immigrants and border fencing. He also called for better public communication about government initiatives to rebuild trust.

Despite his criticism, Singh strongly backed the BJP’s return to power, describing it as the way forward for Manipur. He also claimed that there was substantial public demand for his return as chief minister, while acknowledging that such a decision would depend on the party securing a majority.

His remarks expose continuing tensions within the Manipur BJP as the party faces the dual challenge of restoring public confidence and addressing persistent ethnic unrest ahead of the next assembly elections.