The resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is not merely a leadership change; it is a reflection of the deep political and ethnic turmoil that has gripped the state for nearly two years. The internal revolt within the ruling BJP, driven by growing disenchantment among its own legislators, was the immediate trigger. However, the larger crisis lies in the breakdown of governance, the failure to contain ethnic violence, and the erosion of public confidence in the administration. Since May 2023, Manipur has been in a state of persistent unrest, with ethnic divisions between the Meitei and Kuki communities fuelling violent confrontations. The state has witnessed targeted attacks, displacement of thousands, and a law-and-order situation that remains fragile. In such a volatile atmosphere, the BJP government struggled to project control. The central leadership, despite being aware of the deteriorating situation, hesitated to take corrective action.

But when BJP MLAs themselves........

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