Just speculations, no decision taken on resignation: Manipur CM
Imphal, Jan 21: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said talks of resignation by him, his cabinet colleagues and MLAs were "just speculations and we are not taking any decision now."
Singh's remark comes in the wake of a report' that went viral on social media on Saturday which said "Singh along with his cabinet colleagues of both the hills and valley and the MLAs have taken a resolution to raise demands with the central government concerning the state, while cautioning that all of them will resign unless the pressing issues are addressed".
"No concrete decision has been taken concerning the resignation and the matter is being deliberated upon," he told reporters here.
Replying to media queries on the sidelines of a programme, Singh said, "We have to take a concrete decision to protect our people and the state. To whom will we hand over the administration. We have to think about that too."
"In this particular matter, we should not play politics. We should not listen to voices of vested interests... We are thinking about what the situation will be. We are mainly concerned about the lives of the people. Who will we hand over the responsibility to. We are discussing it minutely. We may or may not resign but we are serious," Singh said.
To a query on the recent violence in the state, Singh said, "The killing of four civilians each at Haotak and Ningthoukhong is highly condemnable. It's a cowardly act. We have arrested those who killed Moreh SDPO Anand. Similarly, those involved in the killing of the civilians will be booked too."
Earlier addressing the public on the occasion of the 52nd statehood Day, Singh said, "Central forces were not being invited to observe and see what is going on. We invited them to protect the state, the lives and properties of people. They are not being invited to watch."
The Manipur CM also asked the "state commandos, IRB and Manipur Rifles personnel to remain prepared at all times."
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Siddaramaiah, I will abide by Cong high command decision on leadership isssue, says Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will abide by any decision takeb by the Congress high command on the leadership issue in the state.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, the Congress state president said, he has full faith in the party leadership and that it would take an approapriate decision at the appropriate time.
The remarks comes amid speculations within the party and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results for assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two assembly segments in the Karnataka are announced.
"I will not speak about political issues before the media. I have already said that when the time comes you will get to know. So I will not tell you," Shivakumar said in response to a question on discussions with the Congress high command during his Delhi visit over the last couple of days.
He asserted that there are no issues within the party, and whatever has been already decided will take place accordingly.
Responding to a question on senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported statement about internal differences, the Deputy CM said, "nothing like that, they (high command) will do what they have to do at the appropriate time."
"There are no issues, we have faith in our party, they will do what they have to," he added.
Asked about the issue of leadership change as the government is about to complete three years in office, Shivakumar said, "... I have never discussed this issue. The CM and I have both said that we will accept whatever and whenever the high command decides, and we will abide by it."
He declined to comment when asked whether any "good news" can be expected by his birthday on May 15.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.
Responding to a question on the BJP's criticism against the Congress government over its decision on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, alleging injustice to several communities and questioning its intent behind the revised quota formula, Shivakumar said the BJP could not do anything on internal reservation while in power, but the Congress has kept its promise.
"We have found a solution and tried to do justice to all sections among SCs. We have fulfilled the promise made and every one should go together," he said.
Shivakumar warned his party workers against erecting flex banners for his birthday on May 15.
"For May 15, I want to tell everyone that no one should put up flex banners or advertisements for my birthday. If flex are installed I will ensure that cases are registered by authorities against those responsible, whether they are party workers or followers....no one should put such things on roads, this is my personal request," he said, adding that he has asked commissioners of the city corporations to register cases and impose heavy fines.
