RISE AND FALL OF BIREN SINGH

Beyond political infighting, Singh's tenure was over by the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

- Ruchira Talapatra

Nongthombam Biren Singh's political journey is a testament to ambition, resilience, and the intricate dynamics of governance amidst ethnic tensions in Manipur. Born on January 1, 1961, in Imphal, Singh's early life was marked by a passion for sports and journalism. He first gained public recognition on the football field, playing for the Border Security Force (BSF) team and leading them to a notable Durand Cup victory in 1981. However, his aspirations extended beyond sports. In 1992, he founded the Meitei-language daily 'Naharolgi Thoudang,' serving as its editor until 2001. This period in journalism honed his political insights and provided a deep understanding of Manipur's socio-political landscape, paving the way for his entry into politics.

EARLY POLITICAL ENDEAVORS

In 2002, Singh ventured into politics, winning a seat in the Manipur Legislative Assembly from the Heingang constituency under the Democratic Revolutionary Peoples Party (DRPP). His political trajectory gained momentum when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2003. Re-elected in 2007, he was appointed as the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, aligning with his personal interests. During his tenure, he endeavored to enhance sports infrastructure in Manipur. However, internal party conflicts and policy disagreements often impeded progress. By 2016, disillusioned with the INC's direction and recognizing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) rising influence in the Northeast, Singh resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP, a move that was both strategic and ideological.

ASCENSION TO CM