President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur Amid Political Deadlock
The Union Government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur following months of political uncertainty and constitutional violations. This decision comes after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation and the inability of the BJP-led government to convene an Assembly session within the six-month constitutional deadline.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official notification declaring the imposition of central rule in the state.
“I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, have received a report from the Governor of Manipur and, after considering the report and other relevant information, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen where the state government cannot function in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India,” the notification stated.
Presidential Rule imposed in Manipur under Article 356. What’s next for the state? #Manipur pic.twitter.com/vhoJsQkpSJ
— Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay (@SanghamitraLIVE) February 13, 2025
The crisis intensified when the Manipur Assembly failed to meet within the mandated period, violating Article 174 of the Constitution. Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, criticized this lapse as a “deliberate contempt of the Constitution” and a clear sign of the “absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery.” The Supreme Court had already highlighted these concerns as early as August 2023, stating that the state was in a state of administrative collapse.
ALSO READ: Manipur’s Quest for Peace (Part 1): What Next for the Kukis After Biren Singh’s Exit?
Ethnic Violence and Political Instability
Manipur has been grappling with violent ethnic clashes since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence erupted following a Manipur High Court recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, a move that sparked fierce opposition from the Kuki-Zo people, who feared further marginalization. The conflict led to over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands, worsening the state’s fragile law-and-order situation.
The BJP-led state government was widely criticized for its handling of the crisis, with allegations that state forces colluded with Meitei armed groups instead of maintaining neutrality. As reports of targeted violence surfaced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced backlash for failing to visit the state despite multiple appeals.
Political Impasse and Leadership Crisis
The political deadlock escalated when Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, just a day before a scheduled no-confidence motion. With no successor in place and the Assembly session declared null and void, Manipur was left in a constitutional vacuum, forcing the Union Government to step in.
With no effective governance, the President’s Rule places Manipur under direct central administration, with the Governor overseeing governance until fresh elections are held or a new political solution is reached.
Reactions to the Move
Opposition parties have welcomed the decision, arguing that Manipur had long been in a state of lawlessness under the previous government. However, concerns persist about the lack of a clear roadmap for resolving the deep-seated ethnic and political tensions.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and local leaders have urged the Union Government to focus on peace efforts and ensure justice for victims of violence. The imposition of President’s Rule may bring temporary administrative stability, but the real challenge lies in addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring lasting peace in Manipur.
As uncertainty looms, all eyes are now on New Delhi to see how it navigates the crisis and whether fresh elections will provide a pathway to peace and governance in the troubled state.
