Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday cancelled the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, which was scheduled to begin on Monday. The decision came just hours after Chief Minister N Biren Singh submitted his resignation letter to the Governor, a day before the crucial Assembly session was set to commence.

A Raj Bhavan official confirmed that the Governor accepted Singh’s resignation and requested him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until alternative arrangements are made.

Assembly Secretary K. Meghajit Singh issued an order on Sunday night stating: "In exercise of powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, I, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, hereby order that the previous orders dated 24 January 2025 to summon Manipur Legislative Assembly session, which is yet to commence, is hereby declared 'null and void' with immediate effect."

Budget session declared void

The Budget Session of the Manipur Assembly was originally scheduled to start on Monday (February 10) with the customary speech by the Governor and was set to continue until February 24.

On February 14, Chief Minister Biren Singh, who also holds the Finance portfolio, was scheduled to present the Budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26. However, an official from the Raj Bhavan indicated that after the formation of a new government, the Governor would summon the Budget Session afresh.

Tribal organisations applaud Singh’s resignation

Various tribal organisations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), an apex body representing Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, welcomed Singh’s resignation from the Chief Ministerial post.

Senior tribal leader and ITLF spokesman Ginza Vualzong commented: "Biren Singh resigned as he knew he would be voted out in the 'no confidence' voting in the Manipur Assembly, and to save his face, he must have submitted his resignation."

He further added: "Also, with his audio tape leak being taken up by the Supreme Court, I guess this time, even the BJP government can't do much to save him. Whether Biren Singh is CM or not, our demand for separate administration (equivalent to Union Territory with Assembly) remains the same. We have been separated by the Meitei people, and there's no going back. So much blood has been shed. Only a political solution can redeem us."

Controversy over leaked audio tape

Chief Minister Biren Singh has been embroiled in controversy over a leaked audio tape allegedly featuring him making controversial remarks about the ethnic violence in the state. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a petition seeking a probe into the leaked audio tape.

IANS