President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur After CM’s Resignation | Political Turmoil

In a major political upheaval, the northeastern state of Manipur has been placed under President’s Rule, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The political deadlock in the state, coupled with rising tensions, led the Union Government to invoke Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, dissolving the state government and bringing it under central administration.

The decision comes after weeks of speculation, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struggled to find a replacement for the outgoing Chief Minister. The absence of a clear leadership strategy and continued ethnic violence created a volatile situation, making governance under the state administration increasingly difficult.

Why Was President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur?

The political turmoil in Manipur stems from multiple factors:

1. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s Resignation:

   • On February 9, 2025, Singh resigned from his post amid pressure from both his party and opposition leaders. His decision came in response to ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has gripped the state for nearly two years.

2. Lack of Political Consensus:

   • Despite BJP’s efforts, no consensus was reached on electing a new CM. Several party meetings failed to resolve the leadership crisis, prompting discussions at the central level.

3. Constitutional Deadline Expires:

   • As per Article 174(1) of the Constitution, a state assembly must hold a session within six months of its last sitting. Manipur’s last session was held on August 12, 2024, and the deadline to convene a new session expired on February 12, 2025. Since the state government failed to meet this requirement, Governor Anusuiya Uikey recommended President’s Rule.

4. Law and Order Breakdown:

   • Manipur has witnessed prolonged unrest, with frequent clashes between ethnic groups leading to over 250 deaths and displacing nearly 60,000 people. With no effective governance, the security situation deteriorated, forcing the Centre to take direct control.

What Happens Under President’s Rule?

Under President’s Rule, the following changes take effect:

• The Governor takes charge of the state administration, acting on behalf of the President of India.
• The State Assembly is either suspended or dissolved, and all legislative powers rest with the Parliament.
• The Union Government, through the Governor, manages all executive functions until normalcy is restored.
• Elections must be conducted within six months unless extended by Parliament under special circumstances.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that efforts are being made to restore normalcy and conduct fresh elections at the earliest.

Political Reactions and Future Prospects

• BJP Leadership’s Response:

  • BJP leaders, including Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, held multiple discussions with state legislators. However, the deadlock over choosing a leader led to the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule.

• Opposition Demands Fresh Elections:

  • The Congress party and other opposition groups have called for immediate elections, criticizing BJP’s inability to manage the crisis.

• Civil Society and Public Opinion:

  • Public sentiment in Manipur remains divided. While some support central intervention to restore law and order, others see this as a failure of democratic governance.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Manipur?

With President’s Rule now in place, Manipur’s future remains uncertain. The next steps will involve:

• Restoring peace and law enforcement in violence-affected areas.
• Holding fresh assembly elections to form a stable government.
• Addressing ethnic tensions and ensuring long-term political stability.

While the Centre promises a swift resolution, the people of Manipur now await a democratic revival through free and fair elections. Until then, the state remains under direct rule from New Delhi.