New Delhi- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attributed N. Biren Singh's resignation as Manipur Chief Minister to mounting public pressure. Gandhi, who made three visits to the strife-torn state since violence erupted in May 2023, criticized the BJP government's handling of the crisis on social media. He stated that Singh had fostered division in Manipur while Prime Minister Modi allowed the situation to deteriorate, citing loss of life and damage to national unity.

Gandhi emphasized that Singh's resignation was prompted by several factors, including growing public discontent, Supreme Court scrutiny, and Congress's planned no-confidence motion. He called for immediate peace restoration in Manipur and urged Prime Minister Modi to visit the state and present a concrete plan for normalizing the situation. The issue gained prominence during Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which began from Manipur in January 2024 and concluded in Mumbai after covering 85 districts across 14 states.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in over 250 casualties, approximately 1,500 injuries, and the displacement of more than 70,000 people. Around 50,650 individuals are currently housed in 350 relief camps across Manipur, with additional displaced persons seeking shelter in neighboring states.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh noted that while the party had been demanding Singh's resignation since the violence began, the Chief Minister's departure came just before a planned no-confidence motion in the Manipur Assembly. He also criticized the Prime Minister's absence from the state during the prolonged crisis.