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Okram Ibobi Singh Named New Manipur Congress Chief

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 13:33 GMT by Deccan Herald
      Locales: Manipur, INDIA

Imphal, Manipur - February 5th, 2026 - The Indian National Congress has announced the appointment of Okram Ibobi Singh as the new president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), a move widely interpreted as a strategic effort to revitalize the party's prospects in the politically complex state. The decision, formalized yesterday, follows the recent resignation of veteran leader T.N. Haokip, who stepped down citing health reasons. The appointment was communicated by Ajay Maken, the Congress General Secretary in charge of the Northeast region.

Ibobi Singh's return to a leadership position within the MPCC is significant. He previously served as Chief Minister of Manipur for an impressive three consecutive terms, from 2002 to 2017. This extensive experience in state governance, coupled with a deep understanding of Manipur's intricate socio-political landscape, is expected to be invaluable as the Congress prepares for future electoral battles.

Manipur has been a challenging state for the Congress in recent years. While the party historically held a strong base, particularly among the Meitei community, it has faced increasing competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured its first-ever government in the state in 2017. The BJP's success was built on a narrative of good governance, national integration, and addressing longstanding grievances. The Congress, since losing power, has struggled to effectively counter this narrative and rebuild its traditional support base.

Analysts suggest Ibobi Singh's appointment is a direct attempt to recapture lost ground. He is known for his strong leadership style and ability to connect with voters across different communities. However, the political climate in Manipur has shifted considerably since his last tenure as Chief Minister. The rise of regional parties, coupled with increasing ethnic tensions and concerns surrounding issues like illegal immigration and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System, presents significant hurdles.

The resignation of T.N. Haokip, a respected figure within the Congress, created a leadership vacuum that the party needed to fill swiftly. While Haokip's departure was attributed to health concerns, sources within the party hinted at internal disagreements regarding the direction of the MPCC. Ibobi Singh's appointment appears to be a compromise that satisfies various factions within the Congress, uniting them under a familiar and experienced leader.

Looking ahead, Singh's primary task will be to rebuild the Congress's organizational structure at the grassroots level. This involves strengthening the party's presence in each of the 60 assembly constituencies, identifying and nurturing new leaders, and ensuring effective communication with voters. The upcoming assembly elections, anticipated in early 2027, will be a crucial test for the Congress.

Furthermore, Singh will need to address the key issues plaguing the state, including the ongoing ethnic conflicts, the demand for greater autonomy by various tribal groups, and the lack of adequate infrastructure development in certain regions. He will also have to formulate a clear and compelling vision for Manipur's future, one that resonates with the aspirations of its diverse population. The promise of economic development focusing on tourism, handloom and handicrafts, and sustainable agriculture will likely be central to his strategy.

The BJP is already preparing to defend its incumbency. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, while facing internal challenges of his own, remains a formidable opponent. The party is leveraging its national network and financial resources to maintain its hold on power. The emergence of other regional players, like the Naga People's Front and the National People's Party, adds another layer of complexity to the political equation.

Political observers believe that the 2027 assembly elections will be a multi-cornered contest, with the Congress, BJP, and regional parties all vying for power. Ibobi Singh's leadership will be instrumental in determining the Congress's fate. The success of his revitalization strategy will depend on his ability to address the state's pressing challenges, unite the party's ranks, and regain the trust of the electorate. His challenge isn't just winning an election; it's proving that the Congress remains a relevant and viable force in Manipur's political landscape.