Nongthombam Biren Singh: A Controversial Tenure as Manipur’s Chief Minister:

Nongthombam Biren Singh’s time as Manipur’s Chief Minister has been marred by multiple controversies, particularly surrounding his handling of ethnic violence, allegations of fueling conflict, and questions over his governance.

From Footballer to Journalist to Politician

Biren Singh’s journey to politics was unconventional. He first made a name for himself as a footballer before switching to journalism. Eventually, he entered politics in 2002, joining the Democratic Revolutionary People’s Party (DRPP) and winning an assembly seat.

By 2003, he shifted to the Indian National Congress (INC) and retained his seat in the 2007 elections. Under the leadership of then Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, he became a trusted minister, handling portfolios like Irrigation & Flood Control, Youth Affairs & Sports, and Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution.

Although he secured a third consecutive victory in 2012, his relationship with Ibobi Singh soured. Struggling within the Congress, he resigned in 2016 and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rise to Chief Ministership

The 2017 Manipur elections saw the Congress emerge as the single-largest party but fall short of a majority. The BJP, despite winning fewer seats, managed to form a coalition government, and Biren Singh was appointed Chief Minister.

In 2022, he secured the BJP’s backing for a second term, but his leadership faced major challenges, particularly in handling law and order.

Ethnic Violence and Governance Failures

The biggest crisis of Singh’s tenure erupted in May 2023, when ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hill regions.

The violence resulted in:

Over 250 deaths
Thousands displaced
Extensive property destruction

Singh’s administration struggled to contain the situation, drawing sharp criticism for delayed responses and allegations of bias. Many questioned whether his government took sufficient measures to prevent escalation.

In December 2023, amid mounting pressure, Singh issued a public apology, expressing regret over the loss of lives and displacement. He urged communities to move forward and work toward peace and reconciliation.

The Leaked Audio Tape Controversy

In February 2024, Singh faced another major scandal when leaked audio tapes allegedly featured his voice discussing the orchestration of ethnic violence.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), a vocal critic of Singh’s governance, demanded a court-monitored probe into the tapes' authenticity. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to verify the recordings.

A Leadership Under Scrutiny

Despite being a two-term Chief Minister, Singh’s leadership has been heavily scrutinized due to repeated controversies. His handling of the ethnic crisis and the leaked audio scandal have fueled debates about political accountability and communal harmony in Manipur.

As legal investigations continue, the future of Biren Singh’s political career remains uncertain, with critics and supporters divided on his legacy as Manipur’s leader.