Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stepped down from his position, two years after ethnic violence erupted in the state. His resignation comes as a move to address growing dissent within the BJP’s state unit and to counter a potential no-confidence motion by the Congress.

The Chief Minister submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla this evening. In response, the Congress called it a “belated” decision and a validation of their long-standing demand for his removal.

Following Singh’s resignation, the scheduled budget session of the Manipur Assembly, which was set to begin today, has been cancelled.

Although the BJP retains a majority despite the National People’s Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma, withdrawing its support, uncertainty loomed over a possible floor test. Several BJP MLAs seeking a leadership change were expected to defy the party whip if the test had taken place.