Manipur is now under the President’s Rule, with the state assembly in suspended animation, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation. This move puts the central government in charge of the state, which has been struggling with ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths.
Singh resigned on February 9, following meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president J.P. Nadda. The BJP was unable to agree on a successor. The Congress party and civil society had been calling for President’s Rule. This marks the 11th time Manipur has been placed under direct central rule since 1951.
President Droupadi Murmu decided after receiving a report from the Governor, stating that the state government could not function according to the Constitution. All governmental functions and powers now rest with the President, and the Parliament will exercise the powers of the state legislature.
The BJP’s inability to find a consensus candidate for chief minister led to the imposition of President’s Rule. Sambit Patra, the BJP’s northeast in-charge, held discussions with state legislators but no agreement was reached34. The decision was made while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the US.
Also Read: N Biren Singh Resigns as Manipur Chief Minister Amid Political Turmoil
The Governor had already canceled the assembly session scheduled to begin on February 10. The last assembly session was held on August 12, 2024. The constitutional deadline to convene the assembly was February 14, 2025, making the imposition of the President’s Rule inevitable.
The Congress party has criticized the BJP, stating that the imposition of the President’s Rule is an admission of the BJP’s failure to govern Manipur. Rahul Gandhi said that PM Modi can no longer deny his responsibility for the situation in Manipur.
Singh’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by controversy, particularly his handling of the ethnic violence. The violence between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribal groups led to many deaths and displacements. Singh’s leadership and response to the crisis were questioned.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) has expressed hope that the President’s Rule will bring some relief to the Kuki-Zo community. They stated that they no longer trust the Meitei community and believe this move is a step towards a political solution.
The imposition of the President’s Rule reflects the ongoing challenges and political instability in Manipur. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of the state and its ability to address the underlying ethnic tensions.
