President's Rule Or New CM To Take Charge? What's Next For Manipur After N Biren Singh's Resignation

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday stepped down from his post after an intense meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. His resignation came amid buzz over a no-confidence motion and floor test by Congress on Monday.

In his letter to the governor, Singh said, "It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipuri."

The Congress party has reacted sharply to Biren Singh's resignation, calling it a move intended to 'save face'.

After N Biren Singh quit from the CM post, questions have arisen about the future of the violence-marred state. Given the contents of Biren Singh's resignation letter, in which he urged the Central government to continue the actions taken by him in the interest of the Manipuri people, it is being speculated that the Centre will soon take over the state through President's rule.

President's rule seems a viable option because Parliament is in session. To implement President's rule, the government needs to take approval from both Houses.

According to reports, until further arrangements are made in the state, the Governor has asked the outgoing Chief Minister to continue as a caretaker CM with limited powers.

According to reports, Biren Singh, while tendering his resignation, recommended that the Assembly be kept in suspended animation, making it possible for the MLAs to reach a consensus on his replacement.

Shortly after Biren Singh submitted his resignation, Governor Bhalla issued a notification declaring the previous order summoning the Assembly, which was set to convene on Monday, "null and void".

There are news reports citing sources that the BJP will come out with the new CM face within the "next 48 hours".

The Manipur Assembly will get dissolved by February 12 if BJP fails to stake claim during this period, as per reports.

BJP high command has initiated the process to pacify the disgruntled MLAs and has called them for discussion after their rebellion forced Chief Minister N Biren Singh to step down.

It has been learned that at least 17 MLAs out of the 37 BJP MLAs had rebelled against Biren Singh over his handling of the ethnic violence in the state.

With various developments unfolding, it has become impossible to predict the future course at the moment. Whether Manipur will have a new CM or the Centre will take control of the violence-marred state will become clear in the coming days.