Manipur CM’s adviser quits post, says not consulted since his appointment

BJP MLA from Heirok, Thokchom Radheshyam was appointed to the post on December 31 last year during Biren Singh’s second term as the Manipur Chief Minister.

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Guwahati: Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Heirok and retired IPS officer Thokchom Radheshyam Singh Thursday resigned from the post of adviser to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, saying “he has not been given any responsibility so far”.

Singh sent a formal resignation letter to the Chief Minister at around 10am, wherein he mentioned he would like “to contribute and focus on Lok Sabha elections”.

Speaking to ThePrint, Singh said he was “looking for work, and not status”.

“Since I was handed over the order of my appointment as adviser to the Chief Minister about four months ago, I have never had an audience with the Chief Minister. I was not part of any decision-making or meeting,” said Singh.

He was appointed to the post on December 31 last year during Biren Singh’s second term as the state Chief Minister.

“People think I am part of the Chief Minister’s team. They try to speak to me of their grievances, expecting help and solutions. I thought it’s best to resign rather than become a victim of expectations,” he said.

Singh, however, wrote in his letter of resignation that he would continue to focus on the development in his constituency.

He said that state pensioners from different constituencies call him up when they don’t receive their monthly benefits and people hope for better roads and services.

“I feel helpless when pensioners call, hoping I can resolve their issues. Except for the National Highway, the condition of roads in Manipur is bad.”

Manipur has recently seen ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities over local identity and immigration issues.

Singh said the current scenario would make people assume that the Chief Minister has been rightly advised to take decisions implemented on the ground.

“But I have not been asked for any advice in this regard or any other matter. Unless invited, it is impossible to advise the Chief Minister,” Singh said.

It is not immediately known if the Chief Minister has accepted the resignation. ThePrint has sought a response from the office of the Chief Minister, and a response is awaited.