Manipur’s beleaguered Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, in an open show of defiance against the BJP central leadership and the Union Government, refused to step down from his post Friday (30 June). 

The Union Government, specifically Home Minister Amit Shah, had laid out two options before the Chief Minister: resign on his own or face intervention by the Centre (read: imposition of President’s Rule in the state). 

(With inputs from agencies)