The extraordinary bronze statue of a polo player located at the hilltop of sacred Heingang Ching makes a great attraction at Manipur capital Imphal.
A visit to the Marjing Polo Complex is a must for a visitor to Imphal.
This popular destination in Heingang at Imphal East District, both for tourists and local residents, immortalizes the birthplace of modern polo game. Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the 120-foot-tall statue on January 6, 2023.
The then chief minister N. Biren Singh was also present. The statue complex falls under Biren Singh's Heingang assembly constituency.
At the spot, visitors may hit upon Biren Singh's 'local supporters'. "Of course, I am his supporter. We all know he resigned in 2025 .... but he is the most relevant political character in our state; and I believe he will come back before or after 2027 assembly elections," says Rajesh Singh, 45.
But locals and other also discuss other matters. One educationist said - "Biren Singh functioned as the Manipur Chief Minister for about two years since May 2023 violence with the blessings of BJP high command. Biren Singh had tried to emerge as a champion of the Meitei-cause. After Congress veteran Okram Ibobi Singh was voted out of office in 2017, he also thought he would inherit that position."
However, what's at stake in months to come; is now anybody's guess. People also say if sidelined for long; Biren Singh may float a regional party and change the entire scenario.
However, a section says Biren Singh has/had done a mistake by blaming Meiteis - his own people - for demanding ST status for triggering the violence in 2023.
But his other diagnosis that the 'foreign immigrants' among Kukis were responsible for the chaotic 2023 and 2024 is "acceptable" to many.
"It may be still wrong to write Biren Singh's political obit for the time being," says a local journalist in Imphal.
The towering monument we referred to also honors Manipur as the historic birthplace of modern polo (traditionally known as Sagol Kangjei).
Amit Shah unveiled the 120-feet-tall statue of a polo player on Jan 6, 2023
A day before Biren Singh had written on Facebook, "One of my childhood dreams has come true. Tomorrow (Jan 6, 2023) Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji will inaugurate the 120ft tall Marjing polo statue at Heingang Marjing" Hill.
He had also shared a selfie snap at the spot.
Biren's future polity:
While remaining an influential MLA from the Heingang constituency and working with central party leaders to navigate state stability, it is also true that Biren Singh's direct grip on state power has receded.
Loyalists within his camp (such as Govindas Konthoujam) retain political ambitions. Govindas is now Home Minister and if Khemchand is replaced befoe state polls; Govindas has a good chance for a leap forward and upward.
It is also a fact that many BJP legislators have shifted alignment following the leadership change.
"He is now a struggling leader and depends on luck too. Biren's future political weight depends heavily on how the BJP manages the ethnic divide in Manipur and whether Biren's faction in BJP can secure influence or tickets for the 2027 assembly elections," says Neelima Devi.
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