Biren Singh oversees PM's Manipur visit, slams Congress's whitewash claim

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was seen inside Kangla Fort on Saturday, personally monitoring preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s programme in the state despite heavy rain.

Biren Singh criticised the Congress for alleging that Modi’s visit was an attempt to “whitewash the crisis”. Earlier speaking to India Today, Manipur Congress MP Akoijam said that the PM's visit to Manipur is to whitewash the crisis.

Singh extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister. In a post on X, he wrote: “A heartfelt welcome to Manipur Adarniya Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The people of Manipur hold a sincere hope that this moment will lead us to peace and lasting progress. Together, we look ahead with trust that tomorrow will be safer, stronger and more prosperous.”

Speaking to India Today while overseeing arrangements, Singh said, “People are very enthusiastic. We are waiting for the Honourable Prime Minister Modi Ji’s visit. We don’t care about the sun, the rain, or the weather.”

Asked if the weather could affect the programme, he responded, “Nobody can stop it. You can see the people—so many of them, huge numbers are coming.”

Calling the event “historic,” Singh also stressed on its significance for the state. On whether the visit could bring peace, he said, “Yes, peace and development. That is the motive, that’s why we are here. You can see the people, right?”

Highlighting Modi’s outreach, Singh added, “The Prime Minister will meet internally displaced persons. He is focusing on them. He will meet people in Churachandpur as well as in Imphal. He is doing his job. He even made the effort to take the road trip to Churachandpur.”

Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister in February 2025 after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, following dissent within the BJP over his handling of the state’s ethnic violence.

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