The Congress has accused the BJP-led government of violating Article 174 by failing to convene the Manipur Assembly within six months, calling it a direct assault on the Constitution.
BY PC Bureau
The ongoing turmoil in Manipur has escalated with the Congress accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of violating Article 174 of the Constitution by failing to convene the state Assembly within the stipulated six-month period. The delay, coupled with the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has exacerbated the political uncertainty in a state already reeling from prolonged ethnic violence.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a statement on Thursday, asserted that the constitutional mandate under Article 174 has been deliberately ignored. The article requires that no more than six months should pass between two Assembly sessions. However, with the last session having taken place in August 2024 and no new session convened within the mandated period, the Congress alleges that this inaction amounts to “deliberate contempt of the Constitution.”
“The breakdown of constitutional machinery in Manipur continues, and so does the suffering of its people. Yet, the Prime Minister, who travels across the country and beyond, has not found the time to visit Manipur,” Ramesh stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Article 174 of the Constitution of India states:
"The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 13, 2025
ALSO READ: Biren Singh factor behind Manipur political deadlock?
The Governor of Manipur had scheduled an Assembly session for February 10, 2025, where a no-confidence motion against the government was set to be discussed. However, the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on the night of February 9 led to the session being declared null and void.
Following Biren Singh’s resignation, the BJP has struggled to appoint a new Chief Minister, prolonging political instability in the violence-hit state. The Congress has criticized the BJP for its inability to ensure a smooth transition of power, warning that the delay in government formation is exacerbating the state’s crisis.
Despite the ongoing political deadlock, the Manipur Governor has not yet summoned a new Assembly session, furthering allegations that constitutional norms are being sidelined. The Congress has demanded immediate intervention from the Union Government to restore democratic functioning in the state.
ALSO READ: Manipur’s Quest for Peace (Part 1): What Next for the Kukis After Biren Singh’s Exit?
A State in Crisis: Manipur’s Unchecked Violence
Since May 2023, ethnic clashes in Manipur have claimed more than 250 lives and displaced thousands. The situation remains volatile, with reports of continued sporadic violence. The Congress has attributed much of the unrest to the BJP-led government’s failure to implement effective conflict-resolution measures and its perceived bias toward Meitei extremist groups.
The Supreme Court had earlier, on August 1, 2023, observed that Manipur had undergone a “complete breakdown of constitutional machinery.” Nearly two years later, the state remains mired in instability, with no effective resolution in sight.
The Congress has reiterated its demand for the Prime Minister to visit Manipur and assess the ground reality firsthand. Opposition leaders have also urged the Union Government to take decisive action in facilitating government formation and restoring governance in the state.
“The people of Manipur cannot be left in political limbo while Delhi remains silent. Constitutional mandates must be upheld, and a new government must be formed without further delay,” Ramesh emphasized.
As political uncertainty looms over Manipur, concerns grow over the impact of the leadership vacuum on governance, law enforcement, and humanitarian relief efforts in the conflict-ridden state. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the BJP-led administration can restore stability or if Manipur will continue to drift further into chaos.
