Biren Singh, who served twice as Manipur’s chief minister after switching from Congress to BJP in 2016, said in an exclusive PTI interview that a faction of BJP leaders conspired with Congress colleagues to force his resignation in February 2025. He claims the move was driven by jealousy over his political ascent and that those who could not accept his leadership treated the party as a personal property. Singh argues that the supposed “peace‑making” effect of his removal is illusory, noting that violence between Christian communities has intensified since the new BJP government took office.
The state has seen more than 30 fatalities in clashes between Naga and Christian groups since January, a toll that has left families like that of a 65‑year‑old Imphal resident who lost her husband to a gunshot in a bar fight.
Y.Khemchand Singh has denied any plot and said the new government will focus on border fencing and biometric identification of illegal immigrants to restore stability.
Voters in Imphal’s PPP constituency feel torn between loyalty to the BJP and fear that internal rifts could worsen security.
If the BJP fails to counter Singh’s narrative and demonstrate tangible action on security and governance, analysts warn that the party could lose ground in the coming polls.