Four days after N Biren Singh stepped down as Chief Minister, the Centre on Thursday imposed President’s Rule in Manipur and placed the state assembly under suspended animation. This decision marks a new phase for the violence-hit state, which has been grappling with ethnic unrest since May 2023.
President Droupadi Murmu approved the move following a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The announcement came shortly after both Houses of Parliament adjourned, with sessions set to resume on March 10 for the Budget session’s second phase.
Political Turmoil and the Fall of BJP-Led Government
The BJP-led government collapsed on February 9, following Singh’s resignation. His decision came after high-level discussions in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda.
Governor Bhalla, upon accepting Singh’s resignation, revoked the assembly session scheduled for February 10, declaring an earlier summoning order “null and void.” The Congress had planned to introduce a no-confidence motion against Singh’s government in the now-canceled session.
With 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly (one vacant due to the death of NPP MLA N Kayisii), the BJP held 37, while allies included NPP (6 MLAs) and NPF (5 MLAs). The opposition comprised Congress (5 MLAs), Kuki People’s Alliance (2 MLAs), JD(U) (1 MLA), and 3 independents. Following the outbreak of violence, both the NPP and KPA withdrew support from the government, although two NPP legislators continued backing Singh.
Centre’s Justification for President’s Rule
In a notification issued Thursday evening, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan cited Article 356 of the Constitution, stating that the Centre was “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.”
The proclamation vested all executive powers of the state government and the Governor in the President, while legislative powers now rest with Parliament.
Failure to Reach Consensus on New Leadership
The imposition of President’s Rule followed three days of meetings in Imphal led by BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra. BJP MLAs and NDA allies, including the Naga People’s Front and the National People’s Party, were involved in discussions to finalize a new Chief Minister. However, failure to reach a consensus accelerated the decision to impose central rule.
Sources indicated that some BJP legislators preferred a temporary period of President’s Rule to facilitate a crackdown on armed groups in both the hills and the valley before forming a new government.
Mixed Reactions from Political Groups
The Congress, which had opposed President’s Rule, held the BJP responsible for the state’s deteriorating condition. Manipur Congress President K. Meghachandra Singh stated, “This is an admission of total failure under N Biren Singh. The state has suffered immensely in the last 20 months, and now, instead of respecting the people’s mandate, the BJP has chosen central rule.”
On the other hand, Kuki-Zo groups, which had been demanding President’s Rule, welcomed the move.
“Rather than just replacing the Chief Minister, President’s Rule gives hope for a lasting solution. The Kuki-Zo community has lost trust in Meitei leadership, and this step creates a pathway for addressing the violence and achieving a political resolution,” said Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
Security Measures and Future Prospects
Ahead of the announcement, security agencies had devised a plan to prevent unrest, closely monitoring individuals who could incite violence. The enforcement of President’s Rule also signals a possible crackdown on insurgent groups operating in different regions of Manipur.
With the state now under central administration, the next steps will depend on how the BJP navigates its internal leadership crisis and whether fresh elections or a new government formation will be considered in the coming months.
