Manipur now faces an uncertain political future as it remains under central rule. The prolonged ethnic violence, political instability, and constitutional challenges have only compounded the crisis. The Union government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. This decision comes in the wake of prolonged ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, which has led to at least 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands since 2023.
The crisis deepened as the BJP leadership struggled to appoint a successor, leaving the state without a functioning government.
Political Deadlock and Constitutional Crisis
Biren Singh resigned on February 9, ahead of a no-confidence motion and a floor test threatened by the Congress. However, the BJP leadership failed to name a new Chief Minister, further deepening the political uncertainty.
As a result, the state assembly, which was scheduled to convene on February 10, was rendered null and void by the governor. This created a constitutional crisis, as the last session of the assembly had ended on August 12, 2024, and under Article 174(1) of the Constitution, the next session was required to commence by February 12, 2025 to maintain constitutional continuity.
Direct Central Control
Following the governor’s report on the deteriorating situation, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, issued a proclamation imposing President’s Rule in the state.
The official notification stated, “Whereas, I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, have received a report from the Governor of the State of Manipur and after considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India.”
With this decision, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will now oversee the state’s administration under the direct supervision of the Union government. The BJP’s northeast in-charge, Sambit Patra, held discussions with party MLAs in Imphal but failed to build a consensus on a new leadership, making the imposition of the President’s Rule inevitable.
Uncertain Political Future
Manipur now faces an uncertain political future as it remains under central rule. The prolonged ethnic violence, political instability, and constitutional challenges have only compounded the crisis.
The lack of agreement within the BJP on leadership further delays any resolution, leaving the state in a fragile state of governance. The coming months will be crucial in determining how and when a new government will be formed.
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