Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh and some of his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday (February 6, 2025) took a holy dip at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh and prayed for peace, especially in his conflict-scarred State.
His ablutions at the Triveni Sangam attained significance ahead of a crucial session of the 60-member State Assembly starting February 10, where he may face a no-confidence motion. The Assembly currently has 59 members, 10 of them belonging to the Kuki-Zo community who have been absent since the ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023.
“With folded hands and a heart full of devotion, I pray for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of our great nation and the beloved people of Manipur,” Mr. Singh posted on social media platform X.
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“Standing at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati at Triveni Sangam, one feels the embrace of divinity itself. As the cool waters touch the soul, they wash away not just the dust of the body but the burdens of countless lifetimes,” he said.
Ministers Konthoujam Govindas and Thongam Biswajit Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Premchandra accompanied the Chief Minister for the holy dip.
The Chief Minister and his team went to Prayagraj from Delhi, where they flew to in a chartered flight on Wednesday after Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly summoned them. Rural Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand and MLA Thokchom Radheshyam reached Delhi on Tuesday, triggering speculations of a leadership tussle.
Manipur-based media reports said a section of the BJP leaders, frustrated with Mr. Biren Singh’s style of functioning, could join the Congress MLAs in moving a no-trust motion against his government. The speculations were fuelled by a Congress delegation’s meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on February 3.
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Led by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, the delegation apprised the Governor of an alleged threat by Mr. Biren Singh to any MLA who would move a no-confidence motion against the government. The latter purportedly said such an MLA would be hounded out of his house.
A State BJP leader negated the chances of a no-trust motion, especially when the “healing process has started” in Manipur. The State has been relatively quiet for more than two months now.
“The Chief Minister, some Ministers, and MLAs flew to Delhi in quick succession but that does not call for overthinking. Our central leadership has been emphasising the importance of teamwork,” he said, declining to be quoted.
The BJP has 37 MLAs, including seven from the Kuki-Zo community, in the House. Although the six-MLA National People’s Party withdrew its support to the Biren Singh government, the BJP enjoys the support of the Naga People’s Front, the Janata Dal (United), and independents.
